TUBE CUTTER ASSEMBLY AND CUTTING METHOD

FIELD

[0001] The specification relates generally to decommissioning a nuclear facility, and more specifically to apparatus and methods for reducing the volume of decommissioned nuclear tubing.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Tubing is used in a great variety of applications, including as tubing in a nuclear reactor. For example, a nuclear reactor (e.g., a Canada Deuterium Uranium reactor) may include nuclear tubing such as feeder tubes and fuel channel tubes. An example of a plurality of tubes used in a nuclear reactor is illustrated in Figure 1. Feeder tubes 104 of the illustrated example nuclear reactor 100 are coupled to fuel channel tubes 106 which extend into a reactor core 102 of the nuclear reactor 100 through a face 108 of the reactor 100.

[0003] When nuclear tubing is no longer required it may be disposed of. Where the nuclear tubing has been used in an active nuclear facility it may be contaminated and/or radioactive, and may need to be disposed of as radioactive waste. The hollow interior of a tube adds greatly to the volume taken up by a tube. Contaminated and/or radioactive nuclear tubing is often reduced in volume prior to being disposed of, e.g., to reduce disposal costs.

[0004] The volume of nuclear tubing is often reduced by crushing the tubing. An example of a tube crushing apparatus is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The tube crushing apparatus 110 includes a hydraulic press 112 to crush a portion of a tube (e.g., tube 114).

[0005] Often, as one end of a tube is crushed, a crack or cracks extend down the tube towards the opposite end. This may result in the tube breaking or otherwise making it difficult to control the position and/or shape of the tube. Accordingly, the tube crushing apparatus 110 includes safety features and/or contingency features which add to the size and/or complexity (e.g., set up time or production cost) of the tube crushing apparatus 110 (e.g., the crushing apparatus 110 may have a footprint that is more than 3 meters or more than 5 meters long). For example, the tube crushing apparatus 110 includes a carriage 116 to hold the tube and feed the tube to the press 112.

[0006] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved apparatus and method for reducing the volume of nuclear tubing.

SUMMARY

[0007] The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the applicant’s teaching, but not to define any invention.

[0008] According to some aspects, there is provided a cutter assembly for cutting up a tube, comprising a first body operable to support a one of an outside surface or an inside surface of the tube; a second body operable to move relative to the first body while the first body is supporting the one of the outside surface or the inside surface of the tube, the second body operable to be applied to the tube from the other of the outside surface and the inside surface to cut the tube, and wherein the tube has a tube longitudinal axis and the first body and the second body are shaped such that moving the second body relative to the first body to cut the tube includes cutting a portion of the tube into a coupon, the coupon having a coupon axial length that is less than a tube axial length of the tube and a coupon angular extent that is less than 190 degrees.

[0009] In some examples, the coupon is a plurality of coupons each having the coupon axial length that is less than the tube axial length of the tube and the coupon angular extent that is less than 190 degrees.

[0010] In some examples, the coupon axial length of each coupon of the plurality of coupons is the same as the coupon axial length of each of the other coupons of the plurality of coupons, and the coupon angular extent of each coupon of the plurality of coupons is the same as the coupon angular extent of each of the other coupons of the plurality of coupons.

[0011] In some examples, the first body and the second body are shaped so as to cut each of the plurality of coupons simultaneously from the tube.

[0012] In some examples, the first and second bodies are shaped to cut a cylindrical axial portion of the tube into the plurality of coupons. [0013] In some examples, moving the second body relative to the first body to cut the tube includes shear cutting the tube.

[0014] In some examples, the plurality of coupons together form a cylindrical axial portion of the tube or a helical portion of the tube.

[0015] In some examples, the cutter assembly has a cutter longitudinal axis, and the first body includes a plurality of longitudinally extending blades angularly spaced apart from one another and each extending at least partially longitudinally and positioned to cut the tube at angularly spaced positions when the tube is driven against the longitudinally extending blades by the second body, to separate the plurality of coupons from one another.

[0016] In some examples, each of the first and second bodies includes a collet and a seat, and wherein supporting the one of the outside surface and the inside surface of the tube includes moving the collet of the first body into the seat of the first body to move the first body into engagement against the tube, and wherein moving the second body relative to the first body to cut the tube includes moving the collet of the second body into the seat of the second body to force the second body towards the first body to push the tube against the first body to shear cut the tube.

[0017] In some examples, the one of the outside surface or the inside surface of the tube is the outside surface, and the first body includes an external collet that is tightenable such that the first body moves to support the outside surface of the tube.

[0018] In some examples, the first body includes a die and the second body is operable as a punch to push the ring against the die.

[0019] In some examples, the other of the outside surface and the inside surface of the tube is the inside surface, and the second body includes an internal collet that is expandable such that the second body moves as a punch to push the tube against a die of the first body.

[0020] According to some aspects, there is provided a nuclear tubing decommissioning system, comprising a cutter assembly; and a nuclear facility including a nuclear reactor having a face including a tube, wherein the cutter assembly is arranged in the nuclear facility adjacent the nuclear reactor with the cutter longitudinal axis intersecting the face to receive the tube from the nuclear reactor and cut up the tube as it is removed from the face.

[0021] According to some aspects, there is provided a cutter assembly for reducing the volume of a tube, comprising a first body operable to support a one of an outside surface or an inside surface of the tube, the first body including a die; a second body operable to move relative to the first body while the first body is supporting the one of the outside surface or the inside surface of the tube, the second body operable to be applied to the tube from the other of the outside surface and the inside surface to operate as a punch to push the tube against the die to cut the tube, and wherein the tube has a tube longitudinal axis and the punch and the die are shaped to cut a portion of the tube received between them into a coupon, the coupon having a coupon axial length that is less than a tube axial length of the tube and a coupon angular extent that is less than 190 degrees.

[0022] In some examples, the coupon is a plurality of coupons each having the coupon axial length that is less than the tube axial length of the tube and the coupon angular extent that is less than 190 degrees.

[0023] In some examples, the coupon axial length of each coupon of the plurality of coupons is the same as the coupon axial length of each of the other coupons of the plurality of coupons, and the coupon angular extent of each coupon of the plurality of coupons is the same as the coupon angular extent of each of the other coupons of the plurality of coupons.

[0024] In some examples, the cutter assembly includes a cutter longitudinal axis, and the die includes a die azimuthally extending blade and a plurality of axially extending blades.

[0025] In some examples, the punch includes a punch azimuthally extending blade, and wherein each of the die azimuthally extending blade and the punch azimuthally extending blade is an annular blade. [0026] In some examples, the cutter includes a cutter longitudinal axis and the die includes a die annular blade and a plurality of longitudinally extending blades that are angularly spaced from one another, and the punch includes a punch annular blade.

[0027] According to some aspects, there is provided a cutter assembly for reducing the volume of a tube, comprising: a frame; a ring cutter mounted to the frame and operable to cut a ring from an end of the tube; and a ring s eer mounted to the frame, the ring sheer including a support member to hold the ring and a bladed member moveable relative to the support member, the ring sheer operable to receive the ring onto the support member from the ring cutter and slice the ring into a plurality of coupons in a single-pass operation of the bladed member while the ring is supported by the support member.

[0028] In some examples, the ring cutter includes at least one cutting wheel operable to be applied to a lateral wall of the tube at the end of the tube to cut into the tube, and the at least one cutting wheel further operable to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the tube while applied to the lateral wall of the tube to cut into the tube to cut the ring from the end of the tube.

[0029] In some examples, the support member is mounted below the bladed member with the bladed member moveable between a raised position removed from the support member and a lowered position adjacent the support member, the cutter assembly further comprising a collection receptacle below the support member to receive the plurality of coupons falling from the support member.

[0030] In some examples, the cutter assembly further comprises a feeding machine secured to the frame, the feeding machine operable to feed the tube into the ring cutter.

[0031] In some examples, the feeding machine is operable to feed the tube into the ring cutter in increments, each increment between 1 and 10 cm.

[0032] According to some aspects, there is provided a method of cutting up a tube, comprising (a) setting up a cutter assembly in a nuclear facility; (b) supplying a tube of the nuclear facility into the cutter apparats; (d) supporting a one of an outside surface or an inside surface of the tube with a first body of the cutter assembly; (e) cutting a ring into a plurality of coupons by moving a second body of the cutter assembly relative to the first body while the first body is supporting the one of the outside surface or the inside surface of the tube, wherein the second body is applied to the tube from the other of the outside surface or the inside surface of the ring to apply the second body to the ring to concurrently cut the ring into the plurality of coupons. Wherein each coupon has a coupon axial length that is less than a tube axial length of the tube and a coupon angular extent that is less than 190 degrees. The method may include (c) cutting a ring from an end of the tube using the cutter assembly, wherein the ring has a ring axial length that is less than a tube axial length of the tube along a longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0033] In some examples, setting up the cutter assembly includes setting up the cutter assembly adjacent a face of a nuclear reactor of the nuclear facility, and wherein the tube is part of the face of the nuclear reactor of the nuclear facility, and shear cutting the portion of the tube into the coupon includes shear cutting the portion of the tube into a plurality of coupons as the tube is removed from the face, each of the plurality of coupons having the coupon axial length that is less than the tube axial length of the tube and the coupon angular extent that is less than 190 degrees.

[0034] In some examples, the first body includes a die and the second body is operable as a punch, and the second body is applied to the ring from the other of the outside surface and the inside surface of the ring to concurrently cut the ring into the plurality of coupons by applying the punch to force the ring against the die to shear cut the ring into the plurality of coupons.

[0035] In some examples, the second body is a bladed member, and applying the second body to the ring to concurrently cut the ring into the plurality of coupons includes applying blades of the bladed member against the ring to slice the ring into the plurality of coupons.

[0036] In some examples, the ring is sliced into a plurality of coupons by supporting the ring while applying a bladed member in a single-pass cut against the ring. [0037] In some examples, the single-pass cut is a movement of the bladed member parallel to a longitudinal axis of the ring.

[0038] In some examples, the bladed member is a rigid body.

[0039] In some examples, the one of the outside surface and the inside surface is the outside surface, and the single-pass cut includes inserting the bladed member over the annular ring to slice the annular ring into the plurality of coupons.

[0040] In some examples, the method further comprises moving the ring from a first station to a second station between (c) and (e).

[0041] In some examples, the method further comprises rotating the annular ring to a horizontal configuration between (c) and (e).

[0042] In some examples, (c) includes cutting the annular ring from the end of the tube using at least one cutting wheel.

[0043] These and other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0044] For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one example embodiment, and which are now described. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings described herein.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective cut-away view of a nuclear reactor.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a side view of a tube crushing apparatus.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a top view of the tube crushing apparatus of Figure 2.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cutter assembly and tube.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coupon.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tube of Figure 4 cut into axial segments.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tube of Figure 4 with a helical cut.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of cutting a tube.

[0053] FIG. 9 is perspective view of a nuclear operations system.

[0054] FIG. 10 is an expanded view of the system of FIG. 9.

[0055] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cutter assembly from a downstream end.

[0056] FIG. 12 is an expanded view of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0057] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the cutter assembly of Figure 11 from an upstream end.

[0058] FIG. 14 is a top view of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0059] FIG. 15 is a side view of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0060] FIG. 16 is an upstream end view of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0061 ] FIG. 17 is a downstream end view of the cutter assembly of Figure 11. [0062] FIG. 18 is a side view of an elongated insertion member of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0063] FIG. 19 is a perspective longitudinal cross section view of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0064] FIG. 20 is a perspective cross section view of a ring cutter of the cutting assembly of Figure 11.

[0065] FIG. 20A is a perspective upstream view of the ring cutter with an end plate shown semi-transparent.

[0066] FIG. 20B is an expanded perspective upstream view of the ring cutter with an end plate shown semi-transparent.

[0067] FIG. 20C is an expanded perspective cross section upstream view of the ring cutter with an end plate shown semi-transparent.

[0068] FIG. 21 is a side cross sectional view of the ring cutter of the cutting assembly of Figure 11.

[0069] FIG. 22 is a side cross sectional view of a simplified ring segmenter of the cutting assembly of Figure 11.

[0070] FIG. 23 is a perspective cross sectional view of the ring segmenter of the cutting assembly of Figure 11.

[0071] FIG. 24 is a side cross sectional view of the ring cutter and the ring segmenter of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0072] FIG. 24A is an expanded perspective side view of the ring segmenter of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0073] FIG. 25A is a top cross section view of the ring segmenter of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0074] FIG. 25B is a top view of the ring cutter and the ring segmenter of the cutter assembly of Figure 11. [0075] FIG. 26 is a second perspective cross section view of the ring segmenter of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0076] FIG. 27 is a side cross section view of the ring segmenter of the cutter assembly of Figure 11 with an interference member in a retracted position.

[0077] FIG. 28 is a side cross section view of the ring segmenter of the cutter assembly of Figure 11 with an interference member in an engaged position.

[0078] Figure 29 is a downstream end cross section view of the ring segmenter of the cutter assembly of Figure 11 with an interference member in the retracted position.

[0079] Figure 30 is a downstream end cross section view of the ring segmenter of the cutter assembly of Figure 11 with an interference member in the engaged position.

[0080] Figure 31 is a side cross section view of a feed system of the cutter assembly of Figure 11.

[0081 ] Figure 32 is a cross section view of the feed system of the cutter assembly of Figure 11 , with the section taken along a longitudinally extending plane angled at 45 degrees to vertical.

[0082] Further aspects and features of the example embodiments described herein will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No embodiment described below limits any claimed subject matter and any claimed subject matter may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed subject matter are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter that is disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described herein that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0084] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and objects have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

[0085] It should be noted that terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of the modified term, such as 1%, 2%, 5%, or 10%, for example, if this deviation does not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

[0086] Furthermore, the recitation of any numerical ranges by endpoints herein includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also to be understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to be modified by the term "about" which means a variation up to a certain amount of the number to which reference is being made, such as 1 %, 2%, 5%, or 10%, for example, if the end result is not significantly changed.

[0087] It should also be noted that, as used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive - or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X, Y or X and Y, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof. Also, the expression of A, B and C means various combinations including A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C.

[0088] The following description is not intended to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed subject matter. Subject matter that may be claimed may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an apparatus, system or method disclosed in accordance with the teachings herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-combination that is physically feasible and realizable for its intended purpose.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is an exemplary cutter assembly 120 and an exemplary tube 122 (e.g., a nuclear tube such as a feeder tube 104 or a fuel channel tube 106). The cutter assembly 120 includes a first body 130 and a second body 132. The tube 122 has a tube longitudinal axis 136. The cutter assembly 120 has a cutter longitudinal axis 138.

[0090] The first body 130 is operable to support a one of an outside surface 140 or an inside surface 142 of the tube 122. Supporting a surface of the tube may help to control the cutting of the tube (e.g., to reduce the need for contingency and/or safety features, such as those used in connection with cracking of the tube). In the illustrated example, the first body 130 is operable to support the outside surface 140.

[0091] The second body 132 is moveable relative to the first body 130 while the first body 130 is supporting the one of the outside surface 140 and the inside surface 142 (e.g., the outside surface 140 in the illustrated example). The first body 130 and the second body 132 are shaped such that this movement of the second body 132 relative to the first body 130 cuts a portion of the tube 122.

[0092] Referring now to FIG. 5, the first body 130 and the second body 132 are shaped such that the movement of the second body 132 relative to the first body 130 cuts the portion of the tube 122 into a coupon 150. The coupon 150 is a part of a wall 152 of the tube 122 that is less than a full length 154 (Figure 6) of the tube (e.g., a coupon axial length 156 is less than the tube axial length 154 of the tube) and less than a full angular extent of the tube 122 (e.g., a coupon angular extent 158 is less than 360 degrees). In some examples, a small coupon 150 may assist in reducing the volume of the tube more than a large coupon 150. The axial extent 156 of the coupon 150 may be less than 30 cm, less than 20 cm, less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm, or less than 4 cm. The angular extent 158 of the coupon 150 may be less than 360 degrees, less than 270 degrees, less than 200 degrees, less than 190 degrees, less than 180 degrees, or less than 90 degrees and/or an inside surface length 160 of the coupon 150 may be less than 20 cm, less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm, or less than 4 cm. In some examples, the coupon 150 is generally shaped as a curved rectangular plate.

[0093] Cutting a portion of the tube 122 into a coupon 150 may involve cutting the portion into a single coupon 150 that is free of the tube 122 (i.e. , cutting a single part of the wall 152 free of the rest of the tube 122), or cutting the portion into a plurality of coupons 150 that are each free of the tube 122. Cutting a portion of the tube 122 into a coupon 150 may involve a single movement of the second body 132 relative to the first body 130, or a plurality of movements of the second body 132 relative to the first body 130. For example, a single coupon 150 may be cut free of the rest of the tube 122, a plurality of coupons 150 may be cut free of the rest of the tube 122, and/or a portion of the tube 122 may be cut free of the tube and then cut into coupons 150 (e.g., an annular ring may be cut from an end 162 (FIG. 4) of the tube 122 and simultaneously or subsequently cut into coupons, with each coupon 150 being an angular portion of the annular ring).

[0094] Referring now to FIGs. 6 and 7, the first and second bodies 130, 132 may be shaped to cut a cylindrical axial portion 170 from the tube 122 and/or cut the cylindrical axial portion 170 into the plurality of coupons 150. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second bodies 130 may be shaped to apply a helical cut 172 or other progressive cut (i.e., progressing down the axial length of the tube 122) to the tube and then cut the resulting helical portion 174 or other progressively cut portion of the tube 122 into the plurality of coupons.

[0095] Referring again to FIG. 5, where the coupon 150 is a plurality of coupons 150 each coupon has the coupon axial length 156 and the coupon angular extent 158. The plurality of coupons 150 may be the same size and/or shape as each other, or may have different sizes and/or shapes. The axial lengths 156 of the coupons 150 may be the same as one another or different. The angular extents 158 of the coupons 150 may be the same as one another or different.

[0096] Coupons 150 may be roughly cut. Since the coupons 150 are to be discarded and are being cut from the tube 122 to reduce the volume of the tube 122 rather than to be used, the cuts may be rough. For example, the coupons 150 cut by the cutter assembly 120 may have burrs and may be placed in a storage container (e.g., a radioactive waste disposal container) and/or disposed of (e.g., sent to a radioactive waste disposal site) without de-burring the coupons 150.

[0097] Referring again to FIG. 4, in some examples cutting the tube 122 using the first and second bodies 130, 132 includes shear cutting the tube 122. For example, one or both of the first and second bodies 130, 132 may include a blade 180 (i.e. , a cutting edge, such as a die blade) and the tube 122 may be driven against the blade 180 to cut the tube 122. In some examples, one of the first and second bodies 130, 132 includes a die 186 and the other includes a punch 188 operable to push the tube against the die 186. The die 186 includes a blade 180.

[0098] In the illustrated example, the first body 130 includes the die 186 and the second body 132 includes the punch 188. The die 186 may include an azimuthally extending blade 190 (e.g., an annular blade, as illustrated) and/or a longitudinally extending blade 192.

[0099] The azimuthally extending blade 190 may extend in a direction with at least a component of the direction perpendicular to the cutter longitudinal axis 138 (i.e., the blade 180 is fully or partially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 138). The longitudinally extending blade 192 may extend in a direction with at least a component of the direction parallel to the cutter longitudinal axis 138 (i.e., the blade 192 is fully or partially parallel to the longitudinal axis 138).

[0100] The longitudinally extending blade 192 may be, as in the illustrated example, a plurality of blades 192. The plurality of longitudinally extending blades 192 may be angularly spaced from one another (e.g., regularly spaced). The plurality of longitudinally extending blades 192 may be positioned to cut the tube 122 at angularly spaced positions when the tube 122 is driven against the longitudinally extending blades 192 by the second body 132 (e.g., to separate the plurality of coupons 150 from one another). The plurality of longitudinally extending blades 192 may be parallel to one another.

[0101] The punch may also include an azimuthally extending blade 198 (e.g., an annular blade, as illustrated). It will be appreciated that one or both of the first and second bodies 130, 132 may have more (e.g., more blades parallel to illustrated blades and/or at angles to illustrated blades) or less blades (e.g., no blades on the second body 132) in other examples. In some examples, each of the first and second bodies 130, 132 includes at least one blade 180.

[0102] In some examples, the cutter assembly 120 is a collet-based apparatus. In some examples, one or each of the first and second bodies 130, 132 includes a collet and a seat such that the body can be closed on the tube and/or moved into position (e.g., a collet moved into a seat such that the body is moved to support the tube 122 and/or moved to push the tube 122 against the other body). For example, each of the first and second bodies 130, 132 may include a collet such that the first and second bodies are operable to close on the outer and inner surfaces 140, 142 of the tube 122 and/or shear off a portion of the tube 122.

[0103] In the illustrated example, each of the first and second bodies 130, 132 includes a collet and a seat. The first body 130 includes an exterior collet 210 and a seat 212. The second body 132 includes an interior collet 220 and a seat 222. In some examples, supporting the exterior surface 140 of the tube 122 includes moving the exterior collet 210 of the first body 130 into the seat 212 (i.e. , tightening the exterior collet 210) to move the first body 130 into engagement against the tube 122 (e.g., moving a surface, such as a coextending surface 214 and/or a blade 192, of the first body against the tube 122). In some examples, moving the second body 132 relative to the first body 130 to cut the tube 122 includes moving the interior collet 220 into the seat 222 (i.e., expanding the interior collet 220) to force the second body 132 against the tube 122 (e.g., moving a surface, such as a coextending surface 224 and/or a blade 198, of the second body against the tube 122). Moving the interior collet 220 into the seat 222 to force the second body 132 against the tube 122 may force the second body 132 towards the first body 130 to push the tube 122 against the first body 130 (e.g., to shear cut the tube 122, such as if the first body 130 includes a die and the second body 132 includes and/or acts as a punch).

[0104] In some examples, the cutter assembly 120 is set up within a nuclear facility (e.g., positioned within and/or secured to the nuclear facility). The cutter assembly 120 may be arranged in the nuclear facility adjacent a nuclear reactor (e.g., nuclear reactor 100).

[0105] In some examples, the cutter assembly 120 is a small apparatus. For example, the cutter assembly may have a footprint that is less than 3 meter by 3 meters, less than 2 meters by 3 meters, less than 2 meters by 2 meters, less than 3 meters by 1 meter, or less than 2.5 meters by 0.5 meters. The cutter assembly 120 is operable to cut at least part of the tube 122 into a coupon 150 (one or more coupons), and in some examples the cutter assembly 120 is operable to cut the entire tube 122 up into coupons 150.

[0106] In some examples, the cutter assembly 120 is a fast apparatus. For example, the cutter assembly 120 may be positionable in front of a nuclear reactor (e.g., reactor 100) such that a tube may be removed from the reactor and supplied directly to the cutter assembly 120 as it is removed from the reactor. The cutter assembly 120 may be adjacent the nuclear reactor such that the cutter longitudinal axis 138 intersects a face of the nuclear reactor e.g., face 108) and is positioned to receive a tube of the nuclear reactor and cut up the tube as the tube is removed from the face. The cutter assembly 120 may be positionable such that the cutter assembly 120 is operable to begin cutting up the tube before the tube is fully removed from the reactor (e.g., one end of the tube can be cut while the other end is still within a calandria).

[0107] Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated is a method 240 of cutting up a tube (e.g., tube 122). The method 240 includes, at step 242, supporting an outside surface (e.g., outside surface 140) or an inside surface (e.g., inside surface 142) of the tube with a first body (e.g., first body 130) of a cutter assembly (e.g., cutter assembly 120). The method 240 also includes, at step 244, shear cutting a portion of the tube into a coupon (e.g., one or more coupons 150) by moving a second body (e.g., second body 132) of the cutter assembly relative to the first body while the first body is supporting the outside surface or the inside surface of the tube. Step 244 includes applying the second body to the tube from the other of the inside surface or the outside surface (i.e. , opposite the first body) to shear cut the tube.

[0108] In some examples, method 240 includes, at step 246 prior to step 242, setting up the cutter assembly in a nuclear facility (e.g., adjacent nuclear reactor 100). Step 246 may include setting up the cutter assembly adjacent a face (e.g., face 108) of a nuclear reactor of the nuclear facility. Step 246 may include setting up the cutter assembly with a longitudinal axis of the cutter assembly (e.g., axis 138) intersecting the face of the reactor.

[0109] The tube cut in step 244 may be a part of the face. In some examples, the method 240 includes, at step 248 (e.g., prior to and/or concurrently with step 242 and/or step 244), supplying the tube of the nuclear facility into the cutter assembly to be cut. The cutter assembly may be set up at step 246 such that the tube may be removed from the reactor and cut up as it is removed (e.g., as described above). Step 244 may include shear cutting the portion of the tube into a plurality of coupons as the tube is removed from the face.

[0110] FIGs. 9-32 show various views of a system or assembly 1000 for reducing the volume of a tube 1002, according to at least one embodiment described herein.

[0111] Generally, FIGs. 9-17 show various views of the entire system or cutter assembly 1000.

[0112] Referring to Figure 9, the cutter assembly 1000 is illustrated as part of a nuclear operations system, with the cutter assembly 1000 arranged in a nuclear facility 1050. In the illustrated example, the cutter assembly 1000 is set up in a chamber containing the face 108 (Figure 1) of the reactor 100. The cutter assembly 1000 is set up on a movable platform 1052 which may be raised and lowered (e.g., along tracks on columns 1054). The platform 1052 may be set up in front of the face 108 to be raised and lowered up and down the face such that the cutter assembly 1000 is aligned with higher or lower tubes that extend into the face 108. The tube 1002 may be, e.g., a fuel channel tube 106.

[0113] The cutter assembly 1000 is mounted in the nuclear facility with at least two degrees of freedom. The illustrated cutter assembly 1000 is moveable along tracks 1056 on the platform 1052 between the right and left ends of the platform 1052, in addition to being moveable up and down. Accordingly, the cutter assembly 1000 may be aligned with any tube 1002 of the face 108. Optionally, the cutter assembly 1000 has more than two degrees of freedom. The cutter assembly 1000 may be, e.g., mounted on a secondary platform that is operable to pitch and/or yaw with respect to the main platform 1052 and/or the face 108.

[0114] Movement of components of the platforms and/or the cutter assembly 1000 may be driven by, e.g., electric and/or hydraulic actuators (e.g., motors). Movement of components of the platforms and/or the cutter assembly 1000 may be effected by, e.g., a ball screw, servo drive, and/or rack and pinion drive. Movement of components of the platforms and/or the cutter assembly 1000 may be driven along, e.g., a cable track.

[0115] The exemplary cutter assembly 1000 may be arranged at the face 108 (e.g., within 10, 5, or 1 meter of the face 108 and aligned with the face 108). The reactor 100 may also have an opposite face (e.g., the far side in Figure 1), with tubes (e.g., fuel channel tube 106) extending from one face to the other. In some embodiments, a cooperating external apparatus 1060 is arranged at the opposite face and is operable to assist in driving the tube out through the face 108 to and/or through the cutter assembly 1000. For example, the cooperating apparatus 1060 may include a ram operable to push the tube from the opposite face, thus pushing it out the face 108.

[0116] In some embodiments, the cutter assembly 1000 includes a feed system or feed mechanism 1010, described further below, to allow handoff from the ram 1060 and continue movement of the tube through the cutter assembly 1000. In some embodiments, the cutter assembly 1000 includes a pulling system 1410, described further below, to pull the tube 1002 to and/or through the cutter assembly 1000 and/or a ring cutter or ring segmenter of the cutter assembly 1000. It will be understood that some embodiments may include one or more pulling system 1410 and/or one or more feed system 1010 (i.e. , the assembly 1000 may include only one or more pulling system 1410 without any feed system 1010, or vice versa), with or without cooperating with one or more cooperating apparatus 1060. It will be understood that in some embodiments, other ways of moving the tube out of the face 108 and/or through the cutter assembly 1000 may be used, such as manually-driven movement (e.g., a human operator pushing the tube).

[0117] Referring now to Figures 11 to 19, the illustrated exemplary cutter assembly 1000 includes a ring cutter 1020 operable to cut a ring from an end of the tube 1002. The cutter assembly 1000 also includes a ring segmenter or s eer 1030 operable to cut a ring that has been cut free of the tube into a plurality of coupons. Each of the ring cutter 1020 and the ring sheer 1030 are mounted on a common frame 1070. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the feed system 1010 and/or the pulling system 1410 is also mounted to the common frame 1070. In the exemplary embodiment, the ring cutter 1020 and the ring segmenter 1030 are separate subsystems, and each includes one or more separate cutter(s) and one or more separate drive system(s). Although it will be understood that the ring cutter 1020 and the ring segmenter 1030 may include, e.g., a common drive system in some embodiments. Similarly, one or more of the feed system 1010, the pulling system 1410, the ring cutter 1020, and/or the ring segmenter 1030 may have independent or shared drive systems. The frame 1070 may be arranged in a nuclear facility, such as mounted on a platform 1052 at a reactor face 108, as illustrated in earlier figures.

[0118] The frame 1070 supports the ring cutter 1020 and the ring sheer 1030. The cutter assembly 1000 is operable to provide a ring cut by the ring cutter 1020 to the ring sheer 1030 to be sliced. While it will be understood that the cutter assembly 1000 may use a variety of transfer systems (e.g., a conveyor belt and/or robot arm), in some embodiments the ring cutter 1020 and the ring sheer 1030 are adjacent one another for easy transfer of the ring. In the exemplary embodiment, the ring cutter 1020 is directly beside the ring sheer 1030 as described further below. The feed system 1010 may be upstream of the ring cutter 1020 and the ring segmenter 1030, to feed the tube 1002 into the ring cutter 1020. [0119] Referring now to Figures 20 to 25B, in the exemplary embodiment system 1000 is operable to cut a ring 1004 from an end of a tube 1002, and cut the ring 1004 into a plurality of coupons. The illustrated cutter assembly 1000 is able to handle tubes 1002 of various diameters, resulting in rings 1004 of various diameters. Illustrated is a ring 1004a of a first diameter and a ring 1004b of a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

[0120] The ring 1004 is first cut from the tube 1002 and then cut into the coupons. In the exemplary assembly 1000 the ring 1004 is cut from the tube 1002 at a first station or location and the ring is then transported to a second or further station or location where the ring 1004 is cut into coupons, as is further described below.

[0121] Ring cutter 1020 is arranged to receive the tube 1002. Ring cutter 1020 comprises a cutting mechanism that includes a cutting element. The ring cutter 1020 is operable to cut a ring 1004 (i.e. , an axial segment of the tube) from the tube 1002 (i.e. , the remainder of the tube). In at least one embodiment, the cutting element comprises one or more cutting wheels 1084 configured to cut a ring from the tube 1002 to reduce the length of the tube 1002. In the illustrated example, a plurality of cutting wheels 1084 are arranged around a channel 1086 extending through the ring cutter 1020 to allow passage of the tube 1002. The tube may be supported by the channel 1086, a plate through which the channel extends (e.g., front plate 1087), and/or a further system or member (e.g., a further system of the cutter assembly, such as the feed mechanism 1010). Supporting the tube 1002 may hold the tube 1002 against cutting forces during a cutting operation of the ring cutter 1020 (e.g., forces applied by the cutting wheels 1084).

[0122] When the tube 1002 is in the ring cutter 1020 it extends through the channel 1086. The channel 1086 may include a cradle or, as in the exemplary embodiment, an annular member 1082. The channel or other supporting member or system may hold the tube 1002 against forces applied perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 1088 of the channel 1086. Alternatively, the channel 1086 may provide a path through which the tube 1002 may be moved axially, without holding the tube 1002 (i.e., the tube 1002 is held by other members of the cutting assembly 1000). The longitudinal axis 1088 may be parallel to and/or coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the tube 1002 when the tube 1002 is received in the channel 1086.

[0123] Each cutting wheel 1084 is operable to be moved radially between a removed position and an engaged position that is closer to the longitudinal axis 1088 of the channel 1086 than the removed position. The tube 1002 may be moved along the axis 1088 when the cutting wheels 1084 are in the removed position (e.g., shifted forward to provide an axial length of tube to be cut off to form a new ring). The cutting wheels 1084 may be moved into the engaged position to engage a tube received in the channel 1086. The cutting wheels 1084 may be translated between the removed and engaged position. The ring cutter 1020 includes at least one retraction drive to move the cutting wheels 1084 between the retracted and engaged positions. A retraction drive may move more than one cutting wheel 1084 and/or be coupled to other retraction drives to move the cutting wheels in tandem. In some embodiments, the ring cutter 1020 includes a retraction drive for each cutting wheel 1084.

[0124] Additionally or alternatively, the cutting wheels 1084 may be moved about the axis 1088. For example, the cutting wheels 1084 may be carried around the axis 1088 such that substantially the entire circumference of the tube is engaged by at least one cutting wheel 1084. The ring cutter 1020 includes at least one revolution drive coupled to at least one cutting wheel to carry the cutting wheel in a full or partial revolution around the axis 1088. In the illustrated example, the ring cutter 1020 includes three cutting wheels 1084, and each cutting wheel 1084 is operable to be moved at least 120 degrees around the channel axis 1088. A revolution drive may move more than one cutting wheel 1084 and/or be coupled to other revolution drives to move the cutting wheels in tandem. In some embodiments, the ring cutter 1020 includes a revolution drive for each cutting wheel 1084.

[0125] Referring now to Figures 20A to 20C, the exemplary embodiment includes a retraction drive system 1500 and a revolution drive system 1510. Each drive system 1500, 1510 includes a rotationally mounted member.

[0126] The retraction drive system 1500 includes a grooved plate 1502. The grooved plate 1502 includes a groove 1504 for each of the cutting wheels 1084. Each cutting wheel system includes an arm 1056 with an end of the arm 1056 received in the groove 1504 to be carried along the groove 1504 when the plate 1502 is rotated relative to the main body of the cutting wheel system. As illustrated in Figure 20C, the arm 1506 includes a bearing member 1522 mounted at the distal end 1520. The opposite end 1524 is rigidly secured to the main body 1526 of the cutting wheel system 1528. The cutting wheel 1084 is eccentrically mounted in the main body 1526 (i.e. , the shaft 1096 is eccentrically mounted relative to the second end 1524.

[0127] The grooves 1504 spiral out from the axis 1088. As the plate 1502 is rotated relative to the main body 1526, the arm 1506 twists the body 1526. As the body 1526 is twisted, the shaft 1096 and wheel 1084 are carried towards or away from the axis 1088 due to the eccentric mounting.

[0128] The revolution drive system 1510 includes the carrying wheel 1512 in which each of the main bodies 1526 is mounted. A motor or engine 1514 is coupled to the carrying wheel 1512 to rotate the carrying wheel 1512 about the axis 1088 (e.g., via a geared drive train, etc.). The carrying wheel 1512 may be carried on the annular member 1086 and/or an outer housing 1513 of the ring cutter 1020, and may be carried on bearings. The retraction drive system 1500 includes a motor or engine 1508 coupled to the plate 1502 to rotate the plate 1502 about the axis 1088 (e.g., via a geared drive train, etc.). The plate 1502 may be carried on the annular member 1086 and/or the outer housing 1513 of the ring cutter 1020, and may be carried on bearings.

[0129] When the carrying wheel 1512 and the plate 1502 are rotated together, the cutting wheels 1084 are carried around the axis 1088 (e.g., about 120 degrees each where there are three), and when the carrying wheel 1512 is rotated at a different rate than the plate 1502 the carrying wheels 1084 are brought radially closer or farther from the axis 1088.

[0130] Referring again to Figures 20 to 25B, the ring cutter 1020 is also operable to spin each cutting wheel 1084. As exemplified, each cutting wheel 1084 includes a spin drive 1090. The spin drive system 1090 is operable to spin the wheel about a wheel axis 1092 to cut into the tube 1002. The spin drive 1090 may move more than one cutting wheel 1084 and/or be coupled to other spin drives 1090 to move the cutting wheels in tandem. In some embodiments, the ring cutter 1020 includes a spin drive 1090 for each cutting wheel 1084.

[0131] Movement of components of the ring cutter 1020 (e.g., cutting wheels 1084) may be driven by, e.g., electric and/or hydraulic actuators (e.g., motors). Movement of components of the ring cutter 1020 (e.g., cutting wheels 1084) may be effected by, e.g., a ball screw, servo drive, and/or rack and pinion drive. Movement of components of the ring cutter 1020 (e.g., cutting wheels 1084) may be driven along, e.g., a track. For example, one or more retraction drive, one or more revolution drive, and/or one or more spin drive may include an electric motor to drive a wheel 1084 along a track and/or spin the wheel around the cutting wheel axis 1092. The ring cutter 1020 may include a drive that serves as one or more retraction drive and also as one or more revolution drive, one more retraction drive and also one or more spin drive, and/or one or more revolution drive and also one or more spin drive.

[0132] In at least one embodiment, the at least one drive system of the ring cutter is sealed to inhibit debris from entering. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the spin drives 1090 are sealed to inhibit debris from entering. Each spin drive 1090 is sealed within a housing 1094 with only a spin shaft 1096 extending out and holding the wheel 1084. The spin drive 1090 may include one or more seal (e.g., rubber seal, brush seal, o-ring, etc.), such as around the shaft 1096. In some embodiments, the retraction drive 1500, the revolution drive 1510, and/or the spin drives 1090 are separated from the cutting wheels 1084 (e.g., sealed) within a ring drive housing 1530. For example, the ring drive housing 1530 may include one or more annular members and one or more face plates (e.g., one annular member within another annular member with the ends sealed by end plates), with any apertures through the housing sealed around crossing members (e.g., around the shaft 1096).

[0133] In at least one embodiment, ring s eer 1030 is a rotating station-type system. In the illustrated example, the ring sheer 1030 includes a turntable 1032. The turntable 1032 is operable to receive the ring 1004 and move the ring 1004 between a plurality of stations (e.g., indexed between the stations). The exemplary ring sheer 1030 is operable to move the ring 1004 between a receiving station 1110 and a cutting station 1114. The exemplary ring s eer 1030 is also operable to move the ring 1004 to an inspection station 1115 after the cutting station 1114. The turntable 1032 may rotate in a turning direction 1116, and include at least one ring-holder 1118 that moves between the stations along the turning direction 1116.

[0134] The ring sheer 1030 receives a ring 1004 from the ring cutter 1020. It will be understood that the ring 1004 may be moved from the ring cutter 1020 to the ring sheer or segmenter 1030 in various ways. For example, a user may manually move the ring from one to the other or the ring cutter 1020 and ring segmenter 1030 may be arranged such that a ring 1004 cut free from the tube 1002 falls or rolls or otherwise moves from the cutter 1020 to the segmenter 1030 without active transfer from the assembly 1000 (i.e. , the assembly 1000 is passive in transferring).

[0135] Alternately, the cutting assembly 1000 may include a transfer system 1120 to move the ring 1004 from the ring cutter 1020 to the ring segmenter 1030. It will be understood that the transfer system 1120 may include various components, such as a conveyor belt or robot arm. The cutting assembly 1000 may be operable to rotate the ring 1004 from a vertical to a horizontal position. The cutting assembly 1000 may be operable to rotate the ring 1004 such that the longitudinal axis 1128 of the ring 1004 is moved to a perpendicular position. The exemplary embodiment rotates the ring 1004 to be horizontal (e.g. a plane defined by an edge of the ring created by ring cutter 1020 is horizontal (e.g. co-planar with the ground)).

[0136] In the exemplary embodiment, the transfer system 1120 includes a pivoting gripper 1122. The gripper 1122 is pivotally joined to the frame 1070 (directly or indirectly) to pivot about a pivot axis 1124. The gripper 1122 is operable to hold the end 1006 of the tube 1002 prior to a cutting operation of the ring cutter 1020, and after the ring cutter 1020 cuts the end free as a separate ring 1004 the gripper 1122 is operable to pivot about the axis 1124 to carry the ring 1004 to a ring-holder 1118 of the ring segmenter 1030 arranged at the receiving station 1110. The illustrated gripper 1122 includes a pair of arms 1123 (Figure 24A) to grip the ring at plurality of points. The arms 1123 are operably to move in towards the axis 1088 to grasp tubes 1002 of various diameters (e.g., rings 1004a and 1004b). the arms 1123 then pivot down to carry the ring 1004 to the holder 1118.

[0137] The ring segmenter 1030 is operable to carry the ring 1004 from the receiving station to the cutting station 1114 (e.g., by turning turntable 1032). The ring segmenter 1030 includes a turn drive system to turn the turntable 1032.

[0138] In the exemplary embodiment, the ring segmenter 1030 comprises a cutter tool having a cutting element 1200. The cutting element 1200 is moveable relative to the ring-holder 1118. In some embodiments the cutting element 1200 is operable to slice the ring into a plurality of coupons in a single-pass operation of the cutting element while the ring 1004 is supported by the support member (i.e. , the ring-holder 1118). The cutting element 1200 may be moved by a segment cutter drive system 1201. The segment cutter drive system may be linear drive system to drive the cutting element 1200 along a linear path.

[0139] In some embodiments, the cutting element 1200 is positioned above a supporting element 1118 configured to support the ring in its horizontal position. Ring s eer 1030 is configured such that the cutting element 1200 is pushed downwardly by the cutter tool against the ring 1003.

[0140] The cutting element 1200 may be pushed through the ring. In some embodiments, the cutting element 1200 is operable to be moved through the central aperture of the ring and applied against an inner surface of the ring (for example and not limited to through a middle or a center of the ring). However, as illustrated, the cutting element 1200 may be operable to be pushed down over the ring 1004 (i.e., against an outer surface of the ring 1004).

[0141] In at least one embodiment, the cutter tool 1200 comprises a cutting element of one or more blades 1202 spaced around an outer or inner edge of the cutting tool. In at least one embodiment, the blades are configured to cut the ring into azimuthal portions (e.g., coupons, as described above). The blades may have a radial extent (i.e., in towards the movement axis 1204) that varies along the length of the blades 1202, as illustrated. The blades 1202 may be linear blades, as illustrated. In some examples, the cutting element or bladed member 1200 has a wider first- engagement end 1206 that narrows towards a following end 1208 (i.e. , a narrower diameter between blades 1202). Pushing or driving the bladed member 1200 down over the ring 1004 received on the holder 1118 (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 1128 of the ring 1004) causes each of the blades 1202 to cut the ring 1004 from a first end to a second end along a cut parallel to the axis 1128 to segment the ring into coupons.

[0142] Once the ring s eer 1030 slices the ring into a plurality of coupons, each of the coupons is transferred to a downstream platform 1040 to be collected. The downstream platform 1040 may be a package and/or waste container. In at least one embodiment, a robotic arm will collect the package and/or waste container 1040 for downstream processing. In the exemplary embodiment, the holder 1118 is a grooved holder with longitudinal grooves to receive the blades 1202 of the bladed member 1200. The blades 1202 are longitudinally-extending blades. The holder 1118 may be tapered with a narrower top end to allow for the holder 1118 to snuggly hold various-sized rings 1004. The bladed member 1200 illustrated is a rigid body (i.e., no parts move relative to other parts).

[0143] In the exemplary embodiment, the frame 1070 supports tracks 1072 along which packages 1040 may be carried. The tracks 1072 extend under the cutting station 1114. When the bladed member 1200 cuts the ring, the coupons fall below the cutting station 1114 into a waiting package 1040 (e.g., under the force of gravity). The housing 1400 is shaped to direct the coupons into the package 1040. In the exemplary embodiment the housing 1400 includes a skirt with inwardly sloping inner surfaces 1402. For example, a package 1040 may be moved along the rails 1072 to a position under the cutting station 1114 and left there as multiple rings 1004 are segmented. Once the package 1040 is full, the package 1040 may be moved along the rails 1072 so another package 1040 can take the place under the cutting station 1114. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the cutting assembly 1000 may include an active coupon transfer system to move the coupons from the cutting station 1114 to a downstream platform 1040.

[0144] The package may be designed to remain in a radioactive waste container. The package may be a metallic package. Packaging the coupons in a metallic package and leaving the package in the radioactive waste container assists in controlling contamination. Contamination is contained in the package from the point of loading the package at the cutting apparatus. In some examples, the cutting apparatus is on a platform and applied to cut tubes at the face (e.g., tubes fed directing not the cutting apparatus), with coupons moved into the package at the cutting apparatus such that the contamination is contained from the point of loading on the platform.

[0145] In some examples, after several tubes 1004 have been cut up into coupons, the platform 1052 would be lowered and an industrial robot 1058 will offload the packages 1040 (e.g., a plurality of packages 1040, each containing many coupons), where the packages 1040 would be placed inside the waste container for long-term storage (e.g., as radioactive and/or contaminated waste).

[0146] Referring now to Figures 26 to 30, in at least one embodiment ring s eer 1030 includes an inspection station 1115. Inspection station 1115 is operable to inspect and, for example, to ensure that a receiving portion of the ring sheer configured to receive the ring to be cut from the ring cutter 1020 (i.e. , the ring-holder 1118) is ready to receive the ring to be cut (e.g. that no coupons formed by a previous slicing process by the ring sheer 1030 remain within or on the receiving portion). The inspection station 1115 includes an inspection system 1300. The inspection system 1300 includes a sensor system to sense whether a part of the ring 1004 remains. The senser system may sense the holder 118 from a distance (i.e., remotely), for example the sensor system may include a camera directed at the holder 1118, an image processing system to process an image from the camera and generate an output regarding whether a part of the ring remains. For example, the system 1300 may include a computer vision system that inspects the holder 1118 and implements a mitigation process if debris is detected.

[0147] The mitigation process may be, e.g., pausing operation of the cutter assembly 1000, continuing operation without receiving another ring 1004 such that the holder 1118 that is carrying debris passes again through the other stations, or reversing the direction of movement to return the holder 1118 that is carrying debris to one or more earlier stations for a repeat of one or more earlier operation. [0148] The exemplary ring segmenter 1000 also includes a stripping station 1112. The stripping station 1112 includes a stripping system 1301. The stripping system 1301 may include, e.g., a physical interference device 1302. The physical interference device 1302 is moveable toward and away from the holder 1118 that is at the inspection station 1112. The interference device 1302 may be operable to push off any portion of the ring 1004 that remains on the holder 1118. The interference device 1302 may be applied to an inside surface of a ring 1004 that remains on the holder 1118 (e.g., an opposite surface from that to which the blades 1202 are applied). The interference device 1302 may include projecting fins 1304 projecting outwards and extending down from a mount 1305 (e.g., to be received in the grooves of the holder 1118). The interference device may be a rigid body. The interference device 1302 may be above the holder 118 when away from the holder 1118 (retracted position). The interference device 1302 may be moved along a longitudinal axis 1119 of the holder 1118 to an engaged position. The interference device 1302 is driven by an interference drive 1303. The interference drive 1303 may be a linear drive to move the interference device 1302 along a liner path.

[0149] Movement of components of the ring segmenter 1030 may be driven by, e.g., electric and/or hydraulic actuators (e.g., motors). Movement of components of the ring segmenter 1030 may be effected by, e.g., a ball screw, servo drive, and/or rack and pinion drive. Movement of ring segmenter 1030 may be driven along, e.g., a track. For example, one or more table drive, one or more segment cutter drive system, and/or one or more interference drive may include an electric motor to, e.g., drive the cutter drive or interference drive along a track and/or spin the table around the table axis 1034. The ring segmenter 1030 may include a drive that serves as one or more table drive and also as one or more segment cutter drive, one or more table drive and also one or more interference drive, and/or one or more segment cutter drive and also one or more interference drive. As exemplified, the ring cutter 1020 drive system(s) are separate from the ring segmenter 1030 drive system(s). One or more segment cutter drive, one or more table drive, and/or one or more interference drive may be a sealed drive.

[0150] The cutting devices of the cutting assembly 1000 may be contained in a containment housing 1400. In the illustrated embodiment, the containment housing 1400 encloses the cutting wheels 1084 and the bladed member 1200. The exemplary housing 1400 encloses each of the stations of the ring segmenter 1030.

[0151] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, in some examples the assembly 1000 includes or is operable with an elongated member 1410. The elongated member 1410 may be mounted to be moveable along the tube axis 1412 such that it may be inserted into the tube 1002. The elongated member 1410 may be, e.g., carried by a sliding platform 1414 to be moved along the axis 1412 into the tube and/or extendable (e.g., telescoping). The exemplary cutting assembly defines a channel 1420 through which the elongated insertion member 1410 may extend. The channel 1420 includes an aperture 1422 in the housing 1400, a bore 1404 through a column of the turntable 1032, each aligned with the axis 1088 of the channel 1086 of the ring cutter. The elongated member 1410 may be a pulling system to pull the tube 1002 toward the ring cutter 1020. For example, the elongated member 1410 may have a radially expandable head 1411. In use the elongated member 1410 may be inserted into the tube 1002 and then the expandable head 1411 expanded radially to grip an inner surface of the tube 1002 and then the elongated member 1410 withdrawn to pull the tube 1002 towards the ring cutter 1020. The elongated emmer 1410 may hand off the tube 1002 to the feeder system 1010, such as by bringing the tube 1002 to the feeder system 1010 and then retracting the head 1411 to release the tube 1002, whereupon the elongated member 1410 is withdrawn out of the ring cutter 1020 and ring segmenter 1030. It will be understood that in some embodiments the cutter assembly does not include the elongated member 1410 or the channel 1420 or platform 1414.

[0152] Referring again to Figure 11 to 19, in the illustrated embodiment system 1000 includes three subsystems or machines: a first machine that feeds the tube to be cut forward (a feed mechanism or subsystem 1010), a second machine that cuts a ring off of the tube to be cut (the ring cutter or ring cutter subsystem 1020), and a third machine that cuts the ring(s) that have been cut free of the tube into coupons (the ring s eer or ring sheer subsystem 1030). It will be understood that the cutter assembly 1000 may also include one or more further machine or subsystem. In some embodiments, the cutter assembly 1000 may not include each of the three machines or subsystems, for example the cutter assembly 1000 may include the ring cutter 1020 and the ring segmenter 1030 with the movement of the tube driven by an external device or operator (e.g., the ram 1060 or a human operator).

[0153] Referring now to Figures 31 and 32, the feed mechanism 1010 is operable to push the tube 1002 forward in short increments so that the ring cutter 1020 can cut off rings from the tube 1002 being fed forward. Feed mechanism 1010 may include a support for supporting the tube to be cut, for example a rolling platform or conveyor, above a ground surface.

[0154] In at least one embodiment, feed mechanism 1010 is located at an inboard or upstream end of system 1000. In at least one embodiment, feed mechanism 1010 provides handoff from the ram 1060 and/or the elongated member 1410 and feeds the tube to be cut into ring cutter 1020. In at least one embodiment, feed mechanism 1010 feeds the tube to be cut into the ring cutter 1020 in increments of between 1 and 20 cm, 1 and 10 cm, 3 and 6 cm, or about 4 cm.

[0155] For example, the feed system 1010 may include one or more powered rollers, arms, pneumatic drive systems, etc. to move the tube through the feed system 1010. In the illustrated example, the feed system 1010 includes a gripper operable to grip an outer surface of the tube 1002 and drag the tube 1002 axially to move the tube 1002 along. It will be understood that any one or more feed drive system may be used to move the tube 1002.

[0156] Movement of components of the feed system 1010 may be driven by, e.g., electric and/or hydraulic actuators (e.g., motors). Movement of components of the feed system 1010 may be effected by, e.g., a ball screw, servo drive, and/or rack and pinion drive. Movement of components of the feed system 1010 may be driven along, e.g., a track. For example, one or more feed drive may include an electric motor. As exemplified, the feed system 1010 drive system(s) are separate from the ring cutter 1020 drive system(s) and the ring segmenter 1030 drive system(s). One or more feed drive may be a sealed drive.

[0157] In at least one embodiment, feed mechanism 1010 is powered by, for example, electric motors. In at least one embodiment, feed mechanism 1010 does not include hydraulic components. In some embodiments, the ring cutter 1020 does not include hydraulic components. In some embodiments, the ring segmenter 1030 does not include hydraulic components. Although it will be understood that some components of the cutter assembly 1000 may include hydraulic components in some embodiments, such as the ring segmenter.

[0158] In at least one embodiment, the systems described herein include one or more robotic arms configured to transfer the tube and/or parts of the tube (e.g. ring(s) and/or coupon(s)) between stations and/or mechanisms.

[0159] While the applicant's teachings described herein are in conjunction with various embodiments for illustrative purposes, it is not intended that the applicant's teachings be limited to such embodiments as the embodiments described herein are intended to be examples. On the contrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the embodiments described herein, the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims.