Development of an automated glovebox system for nuclear material pyrochemical processing

Summary form only given. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is developing an automated nuclear material pyrochemical processing system that synthesizes technology advances in robotics, remote and automated control, material and component hardening, and crucible furnaces. The system will increase productivity and yield, and reduce risks and routine exposures for operators. Design constraints have included the hostile environments, nuclear material and robot safety criteria, adaptation of commercial robotics, and extreme seismic spectra, and need to show significant improvements over current practice. The results to data are a working tilt-pour furnace in a developmental glovebox presently incorporating a modified commercial gantry robot.<>