Recent Advances in Remote Handling at LAMPF

The Clinton P. Anderson Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) has operated at beam currents above 200 microamperes since 1976. As a result, the main experimental beam line (Line A) has become increasingly radioactive over the years. Since 1976 the radiation levels have steadily increased from 100 mR/hr to levels that exceed 10,000 R/hr in the components near the pion production targets. During this time the LAMPF remote handling system, Monitor, has continued to operate successfully in the ever-increasing radiation levels, as well as with more complex remote-handling situations. This paper briefly describes the evolution of Monitor and specifically describes the complete rebuild of the A-6 target area, which is designated as the beam stop, but also includes isotope production capabilities and a primitive neutron irradiation facility. The new facility includes not only the beam stop and isotope production, but also facilities for proton irradiation and a ten-fold expansion in neutron irradiation facilities. Monitor has developed from a system capable of simple tasks, such as removing bolts and pipe fittings, to a system capable of performing anything that can be performed by a high-class technician. The recent total rebuild of the A-6 area expanded that capability to include arc welding, with our manipulators, remote welding of vacuum joints, and oxyacetylene cutting of steel structural members up to .25 meter thickness.