Remote Maintenance Systems

DOE-HDBK-6004-99

with ventilation dampers activated by smoke detectors in ducts. Designers should consider using

smoke hatches in building roofs. NFPA 92A and NFPA 204M give smoke control design guidance.

REMOTE MAINTENANCE SYSTEMS

The remote handling systems include robotic, telerobotic, teleoperated, and crane systems for

servicing the areas of a fusion facility with either high potential personnel hazards or where other

methods are not practical. The latter includes combinations of high accuracy, large capacity, and

limited space unique to the fusion facility that will have to be addressed.

Remote handling systems should be provided to minimize personnel exposure to radiation and other

hazards during the operation and maintenance. Remote handling systems should be considered where

it is anticipated that personnel exposures would otherwise approach dose guideline limits or where

contaminated puncture wounds could occur.

The following sections give generalized requirements for remote handling systems derived from the

unique characteristics of the fusion facility. These should be viewed as additions to the requirements

of more traditional robotic systems.

System Definitions

Robot - An automatic, position-controlled, reprogammable, multi-functional manipulator having

several axis, capable of handling materials, parts, tools, or specialized devices through variable

programmed operations for the performance of a variety of tasks.

Telerobot - A robot that is directed through a series of preprogrammed functions or steps by an

operator, in menu driven, teach and play, or simulator functional steps.

Teleoperator - A robot that is under the immediate control of an operator, to perform a series of

robotic motions or functions within workcell constraints, including collision avoidance and automatic

alignment.

Crane systems - A conventional crane of specialized nature or "smart" crane, such as a "swing free"

crane.

General Safety Design Guidance

Remote handling systems should be provided to minimize personnel radiation exposure during the

operation and maintenance of the fusion device. ALARA concepts should be applied to minimize

exposures where cost effective. Remote handling systems should be considered where it is anticipated

that personnel exposures would otherwise approach dose guideline limits or where contaminated

puncture wounds could occur.

Systems or components needed to perform safety functions should be designated as safety-class

systems or components. Components which do not perform safety functions but whose single failure

causes the failure of a safety function should be designated safety-significant components.