Improvements Realized on the NiThrow{sup TM} Solution - 13075

Two years ago we presented the first results obtained with the highly pressurized liquid nitrogen technology (HPLN) in case of cutting, surface decontamination and concrete scabbling applications. These results, carried out in non active conditions, were really promising in term of efficiency and productivity and highlighted how this technology was interesting for D and D business (e.g. cut of depth up to 30 mm for concrete scabbling application; productivity of 4 cm.min{sup -1} in case of the cut of a 50 mm thick stainless steel ingot..). We also found some real issues which were not compatible with its use in a radioactive environment. Indeed, the reliability of some parts of the system was not efficient enough (e.g. lancing tool, intensifiers...) to run the HPLN technology in good conditions. More than two years, after a complete study of the whole system, and after the compilation of all the required troubleshooting, AREVA with its partner Air Liquide, decided to start a complete R and D work in order to improve this cryogenic technology. Our engineers started with the lancing tool and designed a new one lighter and more reliable than the original one. After that, they improved the reliability of the pressurizationmore » unit (skid) by changing seals and other parts. As mentioned above, the goal of this work was to implement this technology in a nuclear environment the best way. We also focused our efforts on the insulation of the high pressure hoses (with a maximal distance, between the 'skid - Heat exchanger' module and the lancing tool, of about 110 meters), and on the development of a quite efficient vacuum system comprising dust collection units (we can guarantee an efficiency of our system higher than 95%). Finally, the last step of our development was devoted to the design and the manufacturing of a dedicated carrier enabling the technology to move in all directions (X,Y and Z) and to reach all the positions (wall, ground, ceiling and for sure all the singularities such as corners..). In this paper, the 'step by step' strategy to achieve those ambitious developments will be presented with a special attention to the NiThrow{sup TM} carrier development. (authors)« less