Methodology for Remote Handling Operations in IFMIF-DONES

The International Fusion Material Irradiation Facility-DEMO Oriented NEutron Source (IFMIF-DONES) is composed of numerous complex systems and components that need on-site maintenance. Such need requires Remote Handling (RH) operations with advanced technology that is capable of preventing exposure to radiation and complying with stringent plant requirements in hostile environments. Moreover, specific design and integration of the RH systems have to be carried out in order to properly comply with constraints and procedures for remote operations, which in most cases become an engineering challenge. This paper presents a RH methodology that covers all the necessary aspects for the entire rigorous implementation and execution of remote operation in IFMIF-DONES. The methodology is made up of a set of different stages, which are based on the initial cooperation among different teams involved in the remote operation cycle. This approach leads to an iterative process that allows optimization and improvement of remote operations. It aims at accelerating the process with safer and robust concept of maintenance, simplified procedures, minimized breakdowns and reduced cost and time.
This work has been partially supported by “Technofusión(II) CM (P2013/MAE-2745). Moreover, this work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium and has received funding from the Euratom research and training programme 2014–2018 under grant agreement No. 633053. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission.