MDA’s robotic solution inspects Pickering nuclear reactor

Staff September 1, 2010

General

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) – a provider of information solutions – announced that its robotics solution has “successfully inspected critical components inside the Calandria Vault at the Pickering A Nuclear Station.”

MDA’s robotic solution gave the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) an up-close look at carbon steel components and structural welds within the concrete walls of the reactor. The operation “demonstrates a significant financial and safety benefit to nuclear power operators,” said MDA.

Operators command the robotic solution, from a controlled remote work station, inside the radioactive chamber. It has a 14 metre robotic arm to navigate through the four-story reactor and check for possible corrosion and degradation. The solution has a radiation resistant camera that has a 360-degree rotation.

“MDA’s robotic solutions are ideally suited for operating in these types of high value inhospitable environments," stated Steve Oldham, MDA’s vice president. "As we continue to develop innovative new systems for next generation space initiatives, MDA is applying its space expertise to solve difficult and challenging problems here on Earth.

MACDONALD, DETTWILER AND ASSOCIATES LTD.
www.mdacorporation.com

ONTARIO POWER GENERATION
www.opg.com