The cell will be developed within a nuclear industry technology demonstration facility at the University of Sheffield
Welding technology specialist K-TIG will work with UK-based Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre to develop a turnkey robotic welding cell for use in the production of stainless steel nuclear storage containers.
Up to 17,000 containers will be needed to hold intermediate level waste during decommissioning of the Sellafield nuclear site near Cumbria as part of Britain’s $2.84 billion procurement plan scheduled to commence next year.
K-TIG’s welding cell is expected to position the company as a Sellafield supplier, and create a competitive advantage for its Evolve 3 controller which monitors, automates and reports on all aspects of welding operations.
The cell will be developed within a nuclear industry technology demonstration facility at the University of Sheffield, harnessing the latest in robotic technology, sensor integration, statistical process control, quality assurance and welding procedure automation to develop a superior product.
The end product will have 150-year integrity – the minimum industry requirement – and will have the capacity to adapt to nuclear decommissioning projects worldwide.
K-TIG general manager (UK and European Union) Ben Hall said the project was considered a significant milestone in the company’s nuclear strategy and implementation of the Industry 4.0 approach within the UK.
We are giving those (organisations) facing complex nuclear waste storage issues the ability to source the highest quality, repeatable and competitively-priced storage capabilities, he said.
This project will provide UK manufacturers with a turnkey robotic welding cell solution for waste container production, enabling them to compete on the global stage, he said.
K-TIG will maintain all intellectual property and commercialisation rights to the robotic welding cell and will adapt the technology to other projects as required.
