For
Immediate Release
Newton Labs Inspection Applications Group in
conjunction with Exelon announces the development of
Machine Vision measuring devices for in-vessel
inspection.
Seattle, WA October 23, 2008- Newton Research Labs,
Inc., a Seattle based manufacturer of machine vision,
robotics and optical automation, today announced the
execution of a project with Exelon Nuclear to develop
Machine Vision measuring capabilities usable
in-vessel. This project is designed to lead to the
development and deployment of products that can
deliver accurate measurements of components in-vessel
and without impacting outage schedules.
“This is a very exciting development for the BWR
industry,” stated Keith Moser, Innovation Manager at
Exelon Generation Company. “For many years, the
industry has struggled to achieve accurate dimensional
information in many of the lower areas of the vessel,
particularly for the jet pumps, shrouds, core spray
piping nozzles and spargers.” Mr. Moser went on to say
“Exelon is very pleased to be able to partner with
Newton Labs to develop products that have the
potential to deliver this measurement capability to
the industry.”
Utilizing Newton’s long developed and deployed
2-Dimensional and 3-Dimensional Machine Vision for
precision measurement, the goal of the project is to
produce Machine Vision measuring devices that can
provide extremely accurate in-place dimensions for
reactor components. These devices will not only be
highly radiation and temperature tolerant and thus
designed for long life in the environment, but also
will be designed to be used during shutdowns without
impacting outage schedules.
“While the project is beginning specifically with
accurate measurement devices, the development of
radiation and temperature tolerant devices should lead
to devices capable of other inspections such as crack
detection and further in-vessel inspections,” said
Mike Trask, Sales Manager of Newton’s Inspection
Application group. He went on to say “Rugged video
capabilities in-vessel has long been a challenge for
the industry and we believe that development of these
devices will lead to many other in-vessel products
including much longer life cameras.”
About Newton Research Labs, Inc.
Seattle-based Newton Research Labs, Inc. is a
privately held manufacturer of machine vision,
robotics and optical automation. A spin-out of MIT,
the company has for more than 15 years developed and
marketed high-performance, computer-driven automation
for industrial processes. Newton’s products are
designed to allow the quality, efficiency and cost
effectiveness of computer technology to replace the
human element in virtually every industry. Newton Labs
has deployed more that 15,000 machine vision, robotic
and automation systems world wide. Additional
information about Newton and its products may be found
at www.newtonlabs.com
About the Newton Labs Inspection Applications Group.
The
Newton Labs Inspection Applications Group is
specifically designed to service the power generation
industry - both nuclear and non-nuclear. The Group
focuses on supporting the industry with advanced
products and the introduction of recent technological
innovations developed for other industries and not yet
available in the power generation industry.
Contact:
Michael D. Trask
Sales Manager-Inspection Applications Group
Tel: 425-251-9600
Mobile: 206-795-9585
Fax: 425-251-8900
mtrask@newtonlabs.com
