At Russia’s Atommash plant in the Rostov region, part of Rosatom’s Mechanical Engineering Division, a new robotic system for ultrasonic testing (UT) of welded joints has entered operation, strengthening the use of automated non-destructive testing (NDT) for complex nuclear components.
The robotic system is designed to inspect welded joints using two different ultrasonic testing methods while determining the type and coordinates of detected defects. Its automated scanning capability eliminates the need for inspectors to manually move sensors during inspection.
According to Atommash, the robot can perform ultrasonic testing around 30% faster than manual inspection when examining products with complex geometries, including nuclear reactors and steam generators. The technology also enables inspection of hard-to-reach areas where manual scanning can be challenging.
Automated ultrasonic testing for nuclear components
Atommash currently operates two robotic complexes for NDT of key nuclear power plant equipment. The systems are intended to eliminate manual scanning in difficult-to-access areas while also reducing the consumption of materials used during ultrasonic testing.
The deployment represents an expansion of automated inspection capabilities at the facility, where ultrasonic testing is used to assess the quality of welded joints on critical nuclear equipment.
“This project is not local optimisation, but the creation of a new technological standard for the entire industry,” said Atommash Director Maxim Zhidkov. “Successfully passed certification according to Russian and international standards confirms that our robotic control system is a reliable and verified solution. Now we are ready to replicate this technology, offering the industry a new standard of quality, speed and economic efficiency in the field of non-destructive testing.”
The robotic inspection system has undergone certification according to Russian and international standards, according to Atommash.
Supporting nuclear equipment production
Since 2023, Atommash has manufactured nine nuclear reactors and 35 steam generators for new nuclear power units being developed by Rosatom in Russia and abroad.
The plant is currently manufacturing two Generation 3+ reactors and 12 steam generators for the nuclear power units of the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt.
The introduction of robotic ultrasonic testing adds automated inspection capabilities to the manufacturing process for these large and complex nuclear components, particularly in areas where conventional manual scanning can be difficult to perform.
Reference: https://www.neimagazine.com/news/new-robot-cuts-weld-inspection-times/?cf-view
