Imaging tool applications for nuclear power plants

All nuclear power utilities are interested in saving costs, reducing radiation exposure, making task supervision easier, and enhancing worker effectiveness. Recent EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) research indicates that imaging tools, ranging from low-cost CCTV (closed-circuit TV) to videodisc systems and photogrammetry, can be effective means for achieving these benefits. Some of the techniques, such as CCTV and videodisc systems, are already being used extensively and offer proven results. Others are scarcely being used despite their potential. Current programs for updating existing plants and designing new ones make it important to recognize that images-whether films, transparencies, video, line drawings, computer graphics, or others-play an essential role in plant operations and maintenance. The authors present examples of potential cost-saving benefits and limitations of some principal techniques