In close cooperation with the ASE JSC Center for Technology and Engineering Policy Transfer, Subsidiary construction organizations (SCOs) of the Rosatom State Corporation Engineering Division, have introduced a Laser Metal Cleaning (LMC) technology into production at the Kursk NPP-2 construction site. The technology has been implemented as part of retooling the "TEPLOTECH 4.0” thermal installation works that are part of the divisional programme to increase the competitiveness of large-capacity nuclear power plants.
The laser cleaning allows for complete elimination of rust, oxides, carbon deposits and other metal surface contaminants; it allows for cleaning of the weld during and after welding, in order to perform flaw detection. The LMC was tested in 2021-2022 under building conditions.
Laser cleaning is 5 times faster than conventional methods, moreover, it does not leave traces on the metal surface or require consumables. Unlike mechanical or chemical cleaning, the laser technology is absolutely non-traumatic and safe for personnel. The LMC’s most competitive advantage is the ability to burn out pollution from hard-to-reach spots, such as recesses or gap clearance. The LMC set-up and connection procedures are not time-consuming, since the LMC equipment is powered by a conventional 220V power supply. Currently, two LMC pack sets of 120W power each and one LMC set of 550W power in the form of rack, are used at the KuNPP-2 site. The equipment has low operating costs ranging from 1 to 5 rubles per square meter and it does not produce waste. The issue of purchasing additional sets is currently under consideration.
Based on the test results, and the feedback from the SCOs in 2021-2022, Pokkels, the Russian developer and manufacturer, has upgraded the equipment, i.e. the rack cooling system has been improved, the knapsack laser has been streamlined with an ergonomic butt.
“To implement successfully the new method, a lot of work has been done, such as technology testing and fine-tuning under field conditions. And finally, a full-fledged manual is expected to be issued by the end of April 2023, that will let colleagues amplify the result of the technology application on a wide range of works,” said Nikolai Vikhansky, ASE JSC Vice President for Capital Construction.
The programme for increasing the competitiveness of large-capacity NPPs is being implemented to increase the speed and quality of NPP construction projects in Russia and abroad while reducing the cost of work. By introducing innovations, Rosatom and its enterprises are capable of bridging the gap on the market through increasing the competitiveness of the nuclear industry and the entire Russian industry as a whole.