ROBOTIC CRAWLER PROVIDES RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION IN HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENT

A robotic crawler was deployed into the process cells at the 224-T Building to perform cell characterization. The most significant hazard was the potential for criticality upon introduction of a moderating material. Due to the unknown fissile inventory in the cells and the potential moderation affects of a person, manned entry was considered too high of a risk, and a robotic crawler was determined to be the best option for the initial characterization. The robotic crawler provided maneuverability, allowing access to areas in the cells where debris was found. It provided visual inspection in areas with little light, using a low lux pan and tilt camera system. Also, it provided fissile inventory measurements using a non-destructive assay (NDA) detector. The NDA detector supplied real-time data to maintain criticality control. Other technologies used during the cell characterization were water-cooled suits and a thin water resistant synthetic anti-contamination coverall, used for heat stress reduction. Also, an aluminum framed shelter provided a weather barrier, allowing work to continue under conditions which would have stopped work without it