The RPV-ISI Manipulator may satisfy all requirements related to reactor pressure vessel (RPV) examination, as well as remedial activities. Inspection equipment is capable to perform remote underwater ultrasonic testing using contact technique, eddy current and visual testing, and taking of boat samples and grinding action or other corrective action. RPV inspection equipment with ultrasonic, eddy current and visual data recording and processing system is fully integrated with the manipulator and represents today latest and most advanced robotic technology. The modularity of the RPV-ISI Manipulator provides adaptation to various sizes of reactor pressure vessels (PWR and VVER type).

Areas of inspection:

• RPV shell circumferential and longitudinal welds
• Lower head welds
• Inlet, outlet and safety injection nozzle-to-shell welds and inner radius areas
• Inlet, outlet and safety injection nozzle-to-safe end welds and safe end-to-pipe welds
• Ligaments between the thread flange holes
• RPV supports
• Interior surfaces.

For the RPV inspection INETEC has designed several universal modules capable of performing complete RPV inspection. Furthermore, simultaneous inspection with two modules and scanning speeds up to 150 mm/s, significantly reduces vessel time and polar crane usage.