Laser cleaning is a modern and exceptionally gentle method for removing impurities and corrosion residues from sensitive reactor components. Its use in the nuclear industry enables efficient cleaning of reactor pressure vessels and other critical parts without mechanical contact or the use of chemical agents.
Laser Cleaning in the Nuclear Industry
Laser Cleaning of Reactor Equipment
Components of nuclear power plants are exposed to extreme conditions – high temperatures, pressure, and cooling water containing boric acid. These factors lead to the formation of corrosion layers and deposits that can negatively affect operational reliability and the ability to perform non-destructive testing, such as ultrasonic inspection.
Experience from cleaning the VVER-440 reactor pressure vessel has confirmed that laser technology can effectively remove these layers even in environments with limited accessibility and strict radiation safety requirements. Compared to mechanical or chemical cleaning, it also generates significantly less secondary waste.
We cover this topic in more detail in our case study.
Further applications of laser technology in the nuclear industry
- Under water laser cleanning inside the reactor vessel
- Laser cleanning/decontamination of the spent fuel boxes
- Laser cleanning and inspection of the steam generator collector flange
- Welding of the plugs of steam generator tubes
- Laser cleaning of the bolts
