Control of the operating crane
Control of the operating crane
Patch notes: V 0.2.07.079
The operational crane located within the containment building enables maneuvers for transferring fuel blocks between the storage area and the reactor core, and vice versa. These maneuvers are automated and carried out by the central reactor computer upon the operator's request.
Additionally, in emergency situations, the crane allows for manual movement of control rods.
Startup of the Operational Crane
The crane is equipped with two engines, one electric and one diesel. Startup always begins with the diesel engine, and if there is sufficient power available, the electric motor is activated. If the power supply is interrupted, the diesel engine will be reactivated.
Important: If the crane lacks sufficient fuel and there is no electrical supply, it will not be possible to move it. Keep in mind that the crane is situated at the highest point of the containment building.
Components of the Operational Crane
The crane comprises the following components:
- Movement Rails: These extend throughout the containment building and extend into the storage and disposal building for fuel blocks.
- Control Cabin: It allows manual operation of the crane and can move from right to left along its own rails, as well as forward and backward on the movement rails.
- Rotating Rail: Beneath the cabin, there is a rotating rail for the movement of the gripping clamp.
- Gripping Clamp: This can move forward and backward on the rotating rail. Furthermore, it can rotate on its axis and open and close its gripping blades.
Movement of the Components
 |
To move the components, the cabin features an operational chair, a monitor, and two control joysticks from which the operator can manipulate the crane.
First, the desired component to be moved must be selected using the action mode selector, and then the movement is executed on that component.
Indicators and Gauges
The operational crane is equipped with the following visual indicators:
- Mode Lights: These indicate which component will execute movement when one of the joysticks is operated.
- Fuel Level Gauge: It displays the fuel level in the tank.
- Applied Force Gauge: This indicates the force applied during movement.
- Secure Clamp Warning Light: It signals whether the detected object is securely held, and the clamp is properly closed.
- Electric Motor Active Light.
- Diesel Motor Active Light.
Adjusting Control Rods
To manually move the control rods, you must first ensure that the internal reactor control motor is deactivated. Attempting to move the rods with the motor active will damage the controller.
Once the crane is positioned, and the clamp is secured to the rod you wish to move, apply an upward or downward movement in the vertical gripping clamp mode.
Important: The control rods are resistant to high temperatures but not to torsional forces. Never attempt to move the rods sideways after securing the clamp. The rods have low resistance to impact forces.
Misaligned control rods
If when moving the control bars with the help of the operating crane, they are not aligned correctly, it will not be possible to move them later using the internal motor until you have aligned them or AO has performed maintenance on them. Additionally, an alarm will sound in the control room.