Robotic snake solves fusion energy pipework challenge
A ‘ robotic snake ’ has demonstrated its capability to operate inside fusion energy powerplant pipework , carrying out laser-welding in hard-to-reach locations .
Text & images by UK Atomic Energy Autority
A new laser-welding ‘ robotic snake ’ developed by the UK Atomic Energy Authority has demonstrated its capability to operate inside of fusion energy powerplant pipework and is now patented technology . The novel trials at Culham Science Centre are another step forward on the roadmap to delivering safe , sustainable , low-carbon fusion energy to the grid .
Next step in fusion The GBP 2.7 million , seven-year project by UKAEA ’ s RACE ( Remote Applications in Challenging Environments ) was delivered as part of EUROfusion ’ s flagship DEMO programme , expected to be ITER ’ s successor . The DEMO snake will be deployed and operated remotely inside a hazardous environment without being touched by humans . It can also work effectively in pipes packed together , with little space for access . Tristan Tremethick , Lead Mechanical Design Engineer , UKAEA , said : “ In fusion machines , pipework has to be connected and disconnected remotely because of the hazardous environment . Pipework in DEMO is extra challenging because of the limited working space . We ’ ve been looking at different ways of tackling this , and I ’ m delighted our new snake has passed its first set of trials .” “ The bespoke laser welding tool takes a novel approach and operates inside of the pipework to make the best use of the cramped space available . At RACE , we pride ourselves on providing complete solutions to enable operations and protect people in challenging environments , and this is another exciting result on our path to delivering fusion energy .”
Robotic maintenance The project also involved creating an ultrasonic sensor-system to move the
A robotic welding will help maintain fusion energy plants developed by UKAEA ’ s RACE project .
snake up and down the pipe to identify each precise working location . A separate launch system gets it inside the pipework remotely . Tristan Tremethick added : “ Ultrasonic sensors enable the snake to find the correct position , where it then clamps to the pipe and performs the weld from the inside . After the weld , the tool retracts and is removed from the pipe where it can be redeployed .” “ Robots are a key part of our mission to deliver low carbon fusion energy , and we need to become skilled in controlling machines like this one remotely . That ’ s because they will be used to maintain fusion energy power plants . We won ’ t be able to send people in , robots will keep them running – it ’ s the future .”
RACE has also developed a laser cutting tool operating on the same principles as the snake and both can potentially be used for other industry applications .
Fusion projects
EUROfusion consortium consists of experts , students and staff from across Europe collaborating to realise fusion energy , co-funded by the European Commission . ITER is a fusion research megaproject in the south of France which will further demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy . For information : www . gov . uk / government / news / robotic-snakesolves-fusion-energy-pipeworkchallenge
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