Underwater robotized high speed machining for maintenance

EDF studies the maintenance of its main nuclear components. Until now, maintenance strategies need to operate in air, after draining water from the component. A great benefit is identified to perform its operation underwater. This paper deals with the study of one of the main processes used for maintenance, milling, implemented underwater. The study demonstrated the feasibility of underwater robotized high speed machining for maintenance and prove there is no significant difference with the same process in air.