Three-Dimensional, Ultra-Radiation-Hardened Video System for Nuclear Power Plant Inspection

Visual inspection systems for remote inspection in radioactive environments, or for investigating nuclear accident conditions are extremely limited. Commercially available vision systems cannot survive in extremely high-radiation-level environments. Vega Wave Systems, Inc. has developed an advanced ultra-radiation-hardened vision system for the nuclear industry capable of withstanding more than an order of magnitude more radiation than the maximum encountered during the nuclear power plant refueling process. In this program, Vega Wave Systems, Inc. will develop a three-dimensional camera system based on this novel technology. This system will enable 3-D measurement and inspection of nuclear reactor components and systems in the highest radiation environments encountered during reactor refueling operations and inspections. This development would significantly enhance the safety and operational efficiency of the United States commercial nuclear reactor fleet. Commercial Applications: The radiation-hardened three-dimensional vision system developed in this program will enable improved inspection and visual verification of the operation of nuclear power plants. This will also be useful improved inspection of remote handling of radioactive materials for nuclear physics, spent fuel, and nuclear accident sites. Key Words: 3-D vision systems, radiation-tolerant inspection systems, nuclear power plants, nuclear accidents Summary for Members of Congress Visual inspection systems for remote inspection in radioactive environments, or for investigating nuclear accident conditions are extremely limited. Commercially available vision systems cannot survive in the extremely high radiation levels encountered under these conditions. In this program, Vega Wave Systems, Inc. will develop an ultra-rad-hard 3-D vision system for measurement and inspection of nuclear reactor components and systems in the highest radiation environments encountered during reactor refueling operations and inspections. This development would significantly enhance the safety and operational efficiency of the United States commercial nuclear reactor fleet.