Robotics and automation for optimal characterization for nuclear power plant decommissioning

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Nearly a third of the world's nuclear power plants (NPPs) are over 30 years old, and a large number of these will be decommissioned in the coming decades, including the Ontario Power Generation's Pickering NPP. Decommissioning refers to the safe management of the facility following the decision to shut down a NPP, which includes demolition, packaging and removal of debris, and safe storage activities. The focus of this proposal is on developing automation and robotic methods, specifically environment characterization to aid in the deconstruction of NPPs, with the ultimate goal of reducing exposure of humans as a result of decommissioning activities. It is anticipated that the results of this study will significantly enhance the tools and the process of providing semantic model inputs regarding the facility environment to decommissioning robots, automated waste selection, and packing optimization for low to intermediate waste disposal. Given the context, this proposal focuses on addressing the following main goals: (i) develop efficient methods to create as-built Building Information Models; (ii) develop and implement the requisite characterization information necessary to populate such models, specifically targeting and optimizing automated decommissioning tasks and the types of equipment to be used; (iii) proof-of-concept demonstration of the concepts and tools which will be developed during this project; and (iv) build on the knowledge gained in meeting the preceding objectives to address inventory assessment and selective disassembly for optimization of demolition, disassembly and packing. While this phase of the study will focus on the facility characterization using sensors, it is anticipated that this work will lay the groundwork for the design and development of robotic tools and equipment to assist with decontamination and dismantling activities in the subsequent planned phases of this research partnership.