A meltdown can cause fatalities and billions of dollars in damage
Atommash, a division of Rosatom, has begun using 3D laser scanning services to verify that parts fit engineering specs. Rosatom is Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation, and Atommash is its largest producer of heavy equipment. 3D scanning services can reduce the time and cost necessary for quality assurance at Russian power plants.
How 3D scanning services work
3D scanning is a process by which a 3D model of an object is created using lasers or other imaging technology. This 3D model can then be analyzed to ensure that the object meets all requirements. 3D scanning services use 3D cameras or 3D laser scanners to create 3D models of parts and objects. Unlike a human inspector, 3D scanning technology can be used to scan large numbers of objects without tiring. 3D scanners can also be programmed to detect flaws that may not have been caught by a human inspector.
Why quality is so important for nuclear power plants
Nuclear power plants are some of the most complex machines in the world. The slightest flaw in a component can lead to a catastrophic failure. For this reason, it is vital that all components of a nuclear power plant meet the highest standards of quality.
Nuclear power plants can fail if quality slips
Nuclear power plants are susceptible to a number of different types of failures. One common type of failure is called a “loss of coolant accident.” In a loss of coolant accident, the cooling system fails and the reactor core begins to overheat. If the core becomes too hot, it can melt down and release radiation into the environment. A loss of coolant accident can lead to a meltdown.
A meltdown can cause thousands of fatalities and billions of dollars in damage. The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred in 1986, cost the lives of 31 people and 3 plant workers eventually died from radiation poisoning. Additionally, 3 other plant workers suffered acute radiation syndrome, 134 plant workers received levels of radiation high enough to cause short-term effects such as vomiting and diarrhea, and 6,000 people were evacuated from the area. The Chernobyl disaster resulted in $100 billion in damages. Such accidents must be prevented.
Benefits of 3D laser scanning services
3D scanning services are beneficial for maintaining the quality of components at nuclear power plants because a laser scan can be used to detect flaws that may not have been found by human inspectors. 3D scanning services reduce the time and costs necessary for quality assurance, making them a valuable tool for nuclear power plants.
The speed and low cost of 3D scanning services is making them an increasingly popular choice for quality assurance. 3D scanning services are quickly becoming a standard tool for companies that want to ensure the quality of their products. For companies in the nuclear industry, 3D scanning services are essential for maintaining the safety of their plants.
