University of South Florida engineers have developed an innovative laser-based technology that is helping nuclear power plants solve a complex maintenance challenge affecting a critical reactor safety system. After four years of research, design, and testing, the custom system has been successfully tested at two Tennessee Valley Authority nuclear plants.

The technology, created by Ahmad Vaselbehagh, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and postdoctoral research associate Ty Hagan, addresses a longstanding maintenance issue involving specialized ice condensers used in certain nuclear power plants in the United States, Japan, and Finland. During routine inspections, plant operators must individually lift and weigh thousands of baskets filled with borated ice that help cool and depressurize the containment building in the unlikely event of severe accidents.

Over time, the process used to replenish the ice can cause neighboring baskets to freeze together, preventing workers from lifting and inspecting them individually. TVA challenged researchers to develop a safer, more efficient way to separate the baskets without damaging equipment or requiring labor-intensive manual work.