Automatic operation of radioactive solid waste interim storage system in nuclear power plants

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has developed an automatic system to transport and store on site the low-level radioactive wastes generated in nuclear power plants. This system consists mainly of palletizing equipment, unmanned forklift trucks and a data control system. The system has realized the unmanned and labour-saving operations in storage facilities with minimized radiation exposure and maximized operation and storage efficiencies. As for the unmanned forklift trucks, the inertia guidance system, which is superior in performance, maintainability and economy, has been newly developed and applied in addition to the previously actualized wire-guided forklift trucks. Moreover, an automatic drum data reader using an image processing technique and full automatic inspection equipment for drummed wastes, which are in the final stages of their development, are introduced. (author)