Overview - ISO 17874-4:2006 (Power manipulators)
ISO 17874-4:2006 specifies the main features and basic principles for the design, testing and use of power manipulators as remote handling devices for radioactive materials in ionizing radiation fields. It focuses on manipulators used behind shielding walls (mainly in hot cells), covering terminology, general features, safety and performance requirements, electrical equipment, control systems and testing regimes. The standard supports safe, reliable remote handling in nuclear facilities and related environments.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and terminology: Defines axes, mechanical arm components (shoulder, elbow, wrist), tongs, shoulder hooks, transporters and operating volume to ensure consistent design and communication.
- Design features & materials: Guidance on materials, surface treatment and mechanical design suitable for contaminated, irradiated and corrosive environments.
- Load capacity classes: Establishes four load-capacity classes (light, medium, heavy, super-heavy) to guide selection and mechanical sizing of manipulators and end-effectors.
- End-effectors & dimensions: Standardizes dimensions and interchangeability for tongs, grip hooks and shoulder hooks to support common tooling and in-cell fixtures.
- Motion & performance: Typical motion rates for hot-cell power manipulators are provided (for example: tong rotation ~10 r/min; arm inclination ~1 r/min; arm rotation ~5 r/min; lifting/carriage travel ~5 m/min).
- Electrical & control systems: Requirements for electrical equipment, operating consoles, push-buttons, joysticks and options for computer-controlled systems (see normative Annex on electrical equipment).
- Testing & maintenance: Specifies acceptance testing, periodic inspections, reliability assessments and maintenance planning. Emphasizes use of non-radioactive trial cells for operator training, capability testing, failure recovery and error minimization.
Applications - who uses this standard
ISO 17874-4 is intended for:
- Nuclear plant designers and hot-cell engineers specifying remote handling systems
- Manufacturers of power manipulators, tongs and in-cell tooling
- Facility operators and maintenance teams conducting acceptance tests, training and inspections
- Licensing authorities and safety assessors evaluating remote handling installations
Typical applications include hot cells for fuel research, reprocessing plants, waste treatment, and decommissioning projects where remote handling of heavy or contaminated items behind shielding is required.
Related standards
ISO 17874-4:2006 helps ensure compatible, safe and maintainable remote handling solutions for radioactive-material operations, supporting interoperability of manipulators, tooling and control systems across nuclear facilities.
