OREANDA-NEWS. GE Hitachi’s remotely-operated Stinger In-Vessel Visual Inspection (IVVI) tool has successfully facilitated the examination of more than 1,000 nuclear reactor components. GEH recently utilized Stinger during a refueling outage at a U.S. reactor, the ninth deployment of the innovative inspection tool.

“From its initial deployment at Plant Hatch in 2013, Stinger has repeatedly helped our customers reduce cost, dosage and outage duration,” said Lance Hall, Executive Vice President, Nuclear Fuels and Services, GEH.

Through advanced camera and remote positioning technology Stinger is able to examine the complete range of components from the reactor vessel flange to the annulus floor. Remote operation of the tool allows for uninterrupted fuel movement and significant dose savings improvement by reducing the number of inspection workers from the refuel floor.

The advanced visual inspection capabilities of the tool allow data and high-resolution video to be transmitted in real-time for analysis by NRC-certified technicians in Wilmington, N.C. With new camera and lighting capability, Stinger now has the ability to conduct cladding examinations on reactor pressure vessel interior walls.

About GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy

Based in Wilmington, N.C., GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) is a world-leading provider of advanced reactors and nuclear services. Established in 2007, GEH is a global nuclear alliance created by GE and Hitachi to serve the global nuclear industry. The nuclear alliance executes a single, strategic vision to create a broader portfolio of solutions, expanding its capabilities for new reactor and service opportunities. The alliance offers customers around the world the technological leadership required to effectively enhance reactor performance, power output and safety.