ASTM C1554-18

4.5.1 Boots and similar protective covers should not restrict movement of the equipment, should be properly sealed to the equipment and should withstand the radiation, cell atmosphere, dust, cell temperatures, chemical exposures, and cleaning and decontamination reagents, and also resist snags and tearing.

4.5.2 Materials handling equipment should be capable of withstanding rigorous chemical cleaning and decontamination procedures.

4.5.3 Materials handling equipment should be designed and fabricated to remain dimensionally stable throughout its life cycle.

4.5.4 Attention to fabrication tolerances is necessary to allow the proper fit-up between components for the proper installation and mounting of materials handling equipment in hot cells, for example, when parts or components are being replaced. Fabrication tolerances should be controlled to provide sufficiently loose fits where possible to aid in remote maintenance and replacement of equipment and components.

4.5.5 Fabrication materials should be resistant to radiation damage, or materials subject to such damage should be shielded or placed and attached so as to be readily replaceable.

4.5.6 Smooth surface finishes are necessary for decontamination reasons. Irregularities that hide and retain radioactive particulates or other adherent contamination should be eliminated or minimized.

1.1.1 This guide covers materials handling equipment used in hot cells (shielded cells) for the processing and handling of nuclear and radioactive materials. The intent of this guide is to aid in the selection and design of materials handling equipment for hot cells in order to minimize equipment failures and maximize the equipment utility.

1.1.2 It is intended that this guide record the principles and caveats that experience has shown to be essential to the design, fabrication, installation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and decontamination and decommissioning of materials handling equipment capable of meeting the stringent demands of operating, dependably and safely, in a hot cell environment where operator visibility is limited due to the radiation exposure hazards.

1.1.3 This guide may apply to materials handling equipment in other radioactive remotely operated facilities such as suited entry repair areas and canyons, but does not apply to materials handling equipment used in commercial power reactors.

1.1.4 This guide covers mechanical master-slave manipulators and electro-mechanical manipulators, but does not cover electro-hydraulic manipulators.

1.2.1 This guide is intended to be applicable to equipment used under one or more of the following conditions:

1.3.1 This standard is not a substitute for applied engineering skills, proven practices and experience. Its purpose is to provide guidance.

1.3.2 This standard does not supersede federal or state regulations, or both, or codes applicable to equipment under any conditions.

1.3.3 This standard does not cover design features of the hot cell, for example, windows, drains, and shield plugs. This standard does not cover pneumatic or hydraulic systems. Refer to Guides C1533, C1217, and ANS Design Guides for Radioactive Material Handling Facilities & Equipment for information and references to design features of the hot cell and other hot cell equipment.

1.3.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.