Robotic Platform for Ultrasonic Control
Precision robotic non-destructive weld inspection
Ultrasonic inspection is a non-destructive testing (NDT) technique used to ensure the structural integrity of different kinds of welded joints without physically altering the welds. ALSYMEX turned to IRELEC to provide two robotic systems for the high-precision ultrasonic inspection of first wall panel welds at the ITER experimental nuclear fusion reactor in France.
A robot designed to stand up to use in a nuclear environment
IRELEC had to meet some particularly demanding specifications for this unique project, the ITER experimental nuclear fusion reactor in France. The reactor’s first wall is made up of a layer of 440 beryllium panels welded to a stainless steel-copper alloy, with each 1-meter x 1.5-meter panel weighing up to 1.5 tons. Stainless steel blocks at the rear of each panel will form the ITER Blanket. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) welds will join the panels together.
An ultrasonic inspection solution supplied by Testia will ensure the integrity of the welds, essential to guaranteeing the robustness of the reactor’s heat-transfer system. IRELEC’s two robots will position the automated NDT tool that will probe the welds.
