At Russia’s Atommash plant (part of Rosatom’s Mechanical Engineering Division) in the Rostov region, a new robot for ultrasonic testing (USC) of the quality of welded joints had begun operation. The device scans using two different methods and accurately determines the type of defect and its coordinates. Because the sensors do not need to be moved manually, the robot is 30% faster than a person in ultrasonic testing of products of complex geometry such as nuclear reactors and steam generators.
Currently, the company operates two robotic complexes for non-destructive testing of key NPP equipment, which makes it possible to completely eliminate manual scanning in hard-to-reach places and saves on consumables for ultrasonic testing.
“This project is not local optimisation, but the creation of a new technological standard for the entire industry,” said Atommash Director Maxim Zhidkov. “Successfully passed certification according to Russian and international standards confirms that our robotic control system is a reliable and verified solution. Now we are ready to replicate this technology, offering the industry a new standard of quality, speed and economic efficiency in the field of non-destructive testing.”
Since 2023, Atommash has manufactured nine nuclear reactors and 35 steam generators for the new nuclear power units Rosatom is building in Russia and abroad. Currently, two Generation 3+ reactors and 12 steam generators are in production for the power units of the El Dabaa NPP under construction in Egypt.
