Patent Number: 052979172
Section: description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An undergound site, in particular for deep storage of radioactive wastes, comprises a shaft 2 connecting the surface 1 to a network of galleries 3 and fitted with an elevator 4. In the vicinity of the entrance to the shaft 2 there is a control station 5. The control station includes a microwave generator 10 and a cabinet 12 for receiving signals. The cabinet is connected to one or more television screens 14 disposed in a control panel facing a workstation for monitoring purposes. The control station 5 is connected by a coaxial cable 16 to a first waveguide line 6 connecting the control station 5 to the entrance 2A to the shaft 2. The shaft 2 is fitted with a second waveguide line 7 that extends vertically and that is connected at its top end by means of a coaxial cable 18 to the first line 6. A third waveguide line 8 is installed in each gallery 3 and is connected via a respective coaxial cable 20 to the second line 7 in the vicinity of the entrance 3A to the gallery 3. The elevator 4 is fitted with an antenna 10, FIG. 2, disposed facing the second line 7. This connection is used for remotely controlling and tracking the elevator 4 from the control station 5. The elevator 4 also includes a waveguide 11 which is disposed in the example shown in the floor of the elevator. The waveguide 11 is connected to the antenna 10 of the elevator. A robot carriage 9, possibly guided by rails, includes two antennas. One of the antennas 12, is disposed at the front of the carriage 9 while the other antenna, 13, is at the rear of the carriage. The antennas 12 and 13 are used for transmission between the carriage 9 and the control station 5 for tracking the carriage and for remotely controlling it: via the first line 6 on the surface 1; via the first line 6, the second line 7 and the waveguide 11 in the elevator when the carriage 9 is loaded in the elevator 4 and while the elevator is being lowered down the shaft; and via the first line 6, the second line 7, and the third line 8 when the carriage 9 is unloaded from the elevator 4 and while it is being caused to move along a gallery 3. By having two antennas 12 and 13, it is possible to maintain continuous connection between the carriage and the control station when loading and moving the carriage 9 inside and outside the elevator. During the periods of discontinuity between the first line 6 and the waveguide 11 and between the waveguide 11 and the third guide 8, at least one of the antennas 12 or 13 is always facing a corresponding one of the waveguides. In the elevator 4 and the gallery 3, the waveguides may be disposed on the floor, on the ceiling, or on the side walls, with the antennas 12 and 13 of the carriage 9 being disposed accordingly. It is thus possible to track and control a plurality of carriages 9 simultaneously. The capacity for remote action can be further increased by multiplying the number of waveguides that are installed, and operating them in parallel. The method of the invention is preferably intended for use in deep storage of radioactive wastes. Under such circumstances, the carriage 9 is provided with means 9A for transporting radioactive loads and means 2b for discharging said loads in a gallery 3. Such means 9A and 2b are remotely controlled from the control station 5. The carriage also includes a camera 22 providing a display at television screen 14 of the control station for control purposes. The carriage may also include measurement means 24, in particular for measuring the temperature of nuclear loads which may increase because of their residual energy. The invention serves to eliminate any mechanical connection or any connection involving friction between the remote control stations and the robot carriage while providing remote control signal transmission therebetween.