March 25, 2025
What a milestone!! – Completed in 18 Months
FIRMA Engineering visits the UK National Nuclear Laboratories (UKNNL) to perform acceptance testing ahead of delivery of its first FIRMArm into commercial service at Sellafield Ltd.
What a fantastic day for everyone as the UKCA Marked FIRMArm is put through its paces.
This major milestone took place on UKNNL’s TED Rig in Workington Cumbria, where it demonstrated a series of major improvements.
Key enhancements on the Mk3 include increased rigidity, a more compact design, and simplified operation, assembly, and disassembly.
During the testing, the FIRMArm showcased its full range of motion: full 360-degree rotation, smooth elbow articulation from 0 to 90 degrees, and precise extension and retraction of its reach module up to 3 meters enabled by a new 5:1 gearbox. The arm was also raised and lowered over its full range.
This model of the FIRMArm includes enhanced dynamic stiffening which significantly reduces droop, underlining the stability and strength of the new design.
Also showcased on the day was a new prototype lighting and camera system which will come as a later enhancement to the entry module.
UKNNL employees were given the opportunity to operate the FIRMArm during this testing and gave fantastic feedback confirming the arm’s intuitive controls and user-friendly operation.
This acceptance testing and delivery marks a significant step forward for the FIRMArm programme, reinforcing its reputation as a practical and innovative solution to the complex challenges of nuclear decommissioning nationally and internationally.
To learn more about the potential that FIRMArm offers in support of an extensive range of decommissioning or inspection activities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Contact: Stewart Feather
Email: stewart.feather@firma-engineering.com
Web: www.firma-engineering.com
