Architecture and management of a geological repository - Andra

9 – Nuclear operating resources in the repository• The pusher robotThe pusher robot is a small but powerful piece of equipment adapted for the dimensions of the C wastedisposal cell.It consists of a frame equipped with rollers and a series of hydraulic jacks. A preliminary studyprovided an assessment of the order of magnitude of its dimensions, which are about 1.30 m long and0.55 m in diameter.The robot fulfils two functions that are conducted one after the other: pushing the package and movingthe robot body. These two functions are ensured by two main mechanisms: an axial pusher and twosystems used to apply pressure to the sleeve. The first system immobilises the body of the robot andthe other immobilises the axial pusher. The role of the longitudinal jack is to push the packages. Whenpushing, the body of the robot is kept in a fixed position thanks to the support system which isimmobilised on the wall sleeve.This system is unblocked and the pusher jack system is blocked so as to move the robot body byretracting the longitudinal jack.Figure 9.3.10Pusher robot for C packagesTwo technical solutions for provision of support have been studied. The first is based on hydraulicallypowered jaws and is depicted in Figure 9.3-10 and Figure 9.3-11. The second uses pneumaticallyinflatable ring-shaped chambers. It is the subject of studies presented in Section 9.3.3.4.The kinetics of the pusher robot are illustrated by Figure Figure 9.3.11.DOSSIER 2005 ARGILE -ARCHITECTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL SYSTEM354/495