A Portable Laser Processing System for Maintenance and Repair of Nuclear Facilities

We developed a new laser processing system to repair various damages of metal parts in aging nuclear facilities. The system consisted of some components; a laser torch, a composite-type optical fiber (COF), a quasi-continuous wave (QCW) fiber laser, a coupling device. All components were installed in a mobile rack, so we can carry it to a place where we want to use. The COF that had the hybrid-delivery functions of heating laser beam and observing visible image was proved to be very useful for accuracy wire-feeding in limited tubular space. A welding expert succeeded to demonstrate manually a line laser cladding on the inner wall of 1-inch tube, observing the work surface through fiberscope images. And also we succeeded to make clad layers in 1-inch tube by automatic control of devices. The clad on the inner wall of 1-inch tube could not be made by arc welding tools. We proposed to apply the laser cladding system to maintenance of aging industrial plants and nuclear facilities.