Energy - Nuclear

Human error, structural and material degradations, and a host of other circumstances can pose safety and operational hazards to the integrity of any nuclear power facility system. Occasionally, the introduction of foreign material occurs. The admittance of these foreign materials into primary or secondary nuclear plant systems, equipment, and components cause deterioration or failures that can result in a potential shutdown. The SL3n solution enables rapid, visual, underwater, nondestructive inspections to reduce maintenance and operational shutdowns. Measurable, repeatable, millimetric 3D data sets are generated through the patented SL3n laser technology and can be exported into any standard format. Plant operational evaluations and in-depth engineering support analysis can be reviewed, measured, and accessed in near real-time for retrieval or engineering analysis. 

SL3n Value and Benefits

• Rapid, Underwater, Nondestructive Survey Campaigns 
  • Entire vessel inspection (when core plate removed) completed in 40 minutes from a height of 37 feet (11.27 meters). 
    • Borate crystals identification on the vessel floor. 
  • 40 minutes core plate inspections
    • Surveys conducted 29 feet (8.92 meters) above the core plate (prior to core reload)
  • Core plate construction surveys – ICI tubes, anti-vibration sleeves, core plate pins
  • Limited below core plate inspections from 29 feet (8.92 meters) above core plate
• One Set Up for Multiple Survey Tasks
  • Captures entire core/vessel from one location
  • No supplemental lighting needed
  • Lowers radiation/Reduces dose exposure for personnel
  • Accurate underwater measurements do not require tanks and pools to be drained
• LiDAR Enabled Long-Range, Large Area Scans
• 3D Measurable, Millimetric Point Cloud Information
  • Accessed anywhere with password protection
  • Exports into any standard format in a single file
  • Integration of new and historical data

SL3n LiDAR laser technology solution enables rapid, visual, measurable, underwater, nondestructive inspections to reduce maintenance and operational shutdowns.

Nondestructive Underwater inspections and examinations (NDIs, NDEs) are a critical part of nuclear power utility maintenance and operational practices. Regular inspections and stringent adherence to guidelines can significantly reduce or even eliminate failures and potential shutdowns. Advanced condition monitoring systems can be used to optimize maintenance decisions and prevent component degradation. The SL3n LiDAR laser provides 3D digital survey information that can mitigate the risk for costly 5,7, and 10 year inspections by providing accurate routine inspections that can provide measurable flaw data (that can be trended, analyzed and evaluated). The SL3n LiDAR laser technology has been used across a wide range of applications to measure, map, locate and analyze components, equipment and systems in hard-to-reach underwater locations. The flexibility of SL3n LiDAR laser provides a nondestructive survey tool that can capture, quantify and identify potential hazards and component deterioration. The SL3n’s measurable, repeatable, millimetric 3D data sets are generated through the patented SL3n laser technology and can be exported into any standard format. Careful analysis of equipment, components, and systems can be imaged, measured, and evaluated in near-real-time.  

SL3n Applications for NDI, NDE 

• Underwater Components
  • Upper Internals, Lower Internals, Dryer, Separator, Pumps
• Inservice Internal Tank Inspections 
• Baseline Surveys, Archival Data Comparisions, etc.

SL3n Value and Benefits

• Rapid, Underwater, Nondestructive Survey Campaigns 
  • Large area surveys from one location 
  • Accurate underwater measurements do not require tanks and pools to be drained
  • Not dependent on specific focal length
• Lowers Radiation/Reduces Dose to Personnel
• LiDAR Enabled Long-Range, Large Area Scans
• 3D Measurable, Millimetric Point Cloud Information
  • Accessed anywhere with password protection
  • Exports into any standard format in a single file
  • Integration of new and historical data

Additive manufacturing technologies are transforming the nuclear industry. The steady demand for replacement components, maintenance overhauls, and compliance requirements, mandate that the design, fabrication, and construction are built around precise, accurate, 3D measurements. Often, plant operators must change out large replacement components that can require custom and bespoke fabrications. In addition, irregularities in component shape for both large and small components add to the complexities in repairs. Successful installations are hinged on taking into account the surrounding environment of the asset placement.  

SL3n LiDAR laser surveys provide an exact 3D digital twin to design, build fabricate and install nuclear components and equipment. Each survey generates 3D scans that can provide enhanced information to ensure the success and millimetric accuracy for component and equipment design and fabrication.  Surveys campaigns can easily incorporate the surrounding environment or for in-situ placement. 

The success of 3D at Depth’s SL3 LiDAR data usages across additive manufacturing projects has been proven across the oil and gas sector.  The Company has produced a series of 3D scans for large scale projects including wellhead repair and custom pipeline replacements.  

Along with SLn’s value for additive manufacturing and fabrication, 3D at Depth’s engineering capabilities are focused around high-level optical design, embedded processing, high-speed electronics, underwater control equipment, software control, and data processing expertise.  The team’s in-house stage-gate development process and proven track record, has successfully brought new technologies to market and provide custom solutions to help clients solve mission critical challenges. 


For more information visit our "Design and Engineering Capabilities" page - found here.

Nuclear reactors generating electricity in the United States fall into two main categories: Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) and Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs). Both systems boil water to make steam (BWRs within the reactor and PWRs outside the reactor); in both cases, this steam must be cooled after it runs through a turbine to produce electricity. In order to get comprehensive survey data, underwater structures must be drained or human divers must be contracted to perform inspections and measurements. Both of these options are labor intensive, costly, include human risk, not to mention reactor downtime. SL3n enables remote visual inspections with comprehensive 3D data collection that can accurately diagnose a wide range of operational risks:

• Pipe discontinuities, such as cracks, breaks,
• Debris that may cause failure to your system
• Cracks in the structure
• Components and equipment movement due to pump action

Along with internal plant water cooling system issues, external water intake systems can also pose a problem. Intake sources can become clogged with debris, biofouled, or damaged due to external climate conditions. Those areas include:

• Water Intake, Discharge, and Circulatory Water Systems and Pumps 
• External Environmental Hydrographic Surveys 
• Pipe inspection

SL3n Value and Benefits

• Eliminate Draining System 
• Trend, Integrate, Analyze and Evaluate - current, historical, and future modeling
• Structural Integrity and degradation surveys
• Flexible, Standard Views that Export – AutoCAD, ASC etc.