With the aid of a new robot, called CHARLI*, AREVA carried out innovative laser cutting operations in the reactor vessel of the Superphenix fast neutron reactor in Creys-Malville, France.
It is the first time ever that both CHARLI and this type of laser cutting, performed in an environment for the extraction of sodium from a reactor, have been used. Work on the reactor, which is currently being dismantled, was carried out by AREVA for its customer, EDF.
CHARLI is a small remote-operated vehicle (ROV) that is equipped with a robotic arm fitted with a laser cutting head and multiple vision cameras. It has been specially designed to move around inside confined pipework structures.
It can also withstand very harsh environments – with high levels of radiation, high temperatures, and the presence of sodium, aerosols, and argon.
AREVA offers customers a comprehensive range of advanced solutions in the field of nuclear decommissioning (decontamination, waste management, logistics, storage, and processing of used fuel). CHARLI is an illustration of AREVA's unique expertise in the nuclear market.
* The name 'CHARLI' stems from the amalgamation of two French abbreviations: "CHAR" referring to the remote operated vehicle used for the cutting and "LIposo" referring to the interconnection piping between the primary pumps and the base frame that support fuel assemblies.
