The Temelín NPP has, for the first time, used a laser cleaning method during the latest maintenance outage at unit 2, Czech power company ČEZ reported. Using a laser beam, technicians cleaned the upper part of the inspection shaft, where the internal parts of the reactor are stored during shutdown. ČEZ said this is a very gentle and precise cleaning system.
“The laser sends a precisely focused beam of high-energy light onto the surface, which heats the dirt without damaging the underlying material. This either evaporates or falls off in the form of dust particles,” Jiří Hajdík, manager of the NPP special processes department, explained. Until now, workers have used mechanical methods, mainly grinding, to clean metal or carbon material and will continue to do so in the future. They will use the laser to clean key technology.
“We expect at least 60 years of operation for both of our nuclear power plants. And that’s why we’re gradually upgrading equipment while introducing new technologies and procedures. Laser cleaning is certainly one of them, and it is part of the path we will follow in the coming years,” said Bohdan Zronek, member of the CEZ Board of Directors and Director of the Nuclear Energy Division.
Before deployment of the laser, the energy experts tested the new technology on carbon steel samples. The purified samples were then analysed by experts from the accredited laboratory at the Centre for Advanced Innovative Technologies CPIT – Centru Pokročilých Inovačních Technologií), which is part of the Technical University in Ostrava.
Unit 2 was shut down on 11 October for inspections and fuel replacement. Including almost 19,000 activities, including 74 investment events. Around 1,000 people are involved in the shutdown along with the suppliers. Unit 1 was shut down for two months from early April to early June for inspections and refuelling.
