The third planned training course for Chornobyl NPP’s personnel delivered by specialists of Belgian company Tecnubel in the field of "BROKK-330 maintenance: base level" was started.
BROKK-330 Manipulators are used in ICSRM for works performance. The caterpillar-mounted manipulator of this model is located in a temporary storage for High-Level, Intermedium and Low-Level Long-Lived Radioactive Waste (RAW). It is intended to place RAW packages in storage compartments. Operator controls BROKK manipulators remotely using control panels and video surveillance systems.
This is the first training course devoted to this manipulators model. Three earlier delivered training courses at Chornobyl NPP within 2017-2018 were aimed on improvement of the skills in handling, maintenance and repair of BROKK-180 manipulators, used for the Solid Radioactive Waste retrieval.
During the meeting with Chornobyl NPP Management Tecnubel’s representatives discussed the prospects for further cooperation. In particular, Tarik Bouayad, Project Manager, engineer for robotic systems for dismantling, said that in 2019 Tecnubel has already planned numerous courses. To study BROKK-330 manipulator two workshops will be implemented — Expert Level-1 and Expert Level-2. BROKK-330 study will be completed by mid 2019.
Read more: Operation of BROKK-180 manipulators: achievement of the expert level
“In 2020, we plan to start training for Walischmiller (Walischmiller Engineering GmbH) equipment. This is hydraulic telescopic equipment. We have planned training courses for use of Walischmiller equipment as well as for its maintenance. This will be followed by training on the BROKK-180 manipulators flexibles replacement, as well as hydraulic system failure identification and elimination and its start up. In addition, the program for 2019 includes training aimed to form skills at ChNPP personnel in manipulator systems maintenance and hydraulic systems adjustment. Also the next year's program includes the procurement of the necessary components and repair of two working attachments for BROKK-330. Therefore the next year, besides personnel training we should repair and upgrade BROKK-180 and BROKK-330”, — emphasized Mr. Bouayad.
For information
The interface between Chornobyl NPP and Belgian companies was started in 2016, when joint work was carried out in the field of Quality Management within the framework of the Memorandum on technical cooperation with Belgoprocess company. Risks Analysis Report "Radioactive Waste Management Program at Chornobyl NPP” was prepared and issued. At the same time, ChNPP specialists visited Belgoprocess Company to study practical experience in implementation of the Quality Management System, Risks Management methods in field of Radioactive Waste Management (hereinafter: RAW). This activity was funded by the Belgian Government. In 2017 in addition to the already available program, the Belgian Government allocated additional funds for ChNPP specialists training in BROKK manipulators maintenance and repair. These manipulators are used at Solid Radwaste Management Plant. In September 2017 Tecnubel Company experts delivered to ChNPP’s Radioactive Waste Management Shop training, included theoretical and practical parts.