MDA performs critical inspection of Pickering nuclear reactor
For immediate release: August 23, 2010
Richmond, B.C. -
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (TSX: MDA), a provider of essential information solutions,
announced today that its robotics solution has successfully inspected critical
components inside the Calandria Vault at the Pickering A Nuclear Station.
MDA’s robotic solution gave Ontario Power Generation (OPG) its first
close-up look at carbon steel components and structural welds deep within the
concrete walls of the reactor. The operation demonstrates a significant
financial and safety benefit to nuclear power operators.
Controlled from
a remote work station, operators commanded the highly dexterous robotic solution
inside the radioactive chamber through a very confined opening. The 14 metre
robotic arm navigated through obstacles within the four-story reactor in a very
controlled and precise manner to check for possible corrosion and degradation.
Radiation resistant cameras provided 360° views and high resolution close-up
images of the suspect parts at multiple inspection sites.
‘MDA’s robotic
solutions are ideally suited for operating in these types of high value
inhospitable environments,’ stated Steve Oldham, MDA’s vice president
responsible for this business. ‘As we continue to develop innovative new systems
for next generation space initiatives, MDA is applying its space expertise to
solve difficult and challenging problems here on Earth.’
About
MDA
MDA provides advanced information
solutions that capture and process vast amounts of data, produce essential
information, and improve the decision making and operational performance of
business and government organizations worldwide.
Focused on markets and
customers with strong repeat business potential, MDA delivers a broad spectrum
of information solutions, ranging from complex operational systems, to tailored
information services, to electronic information products.
The Company's
common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol TSX:MDA.
Note to
Editors: A photo accompanying this release is available at
http://www.mdacorporation.com/corporate/news/images/CVIRM_OPG_mockup.jpg
Related Websites:
www.mdacorporation.com
www.opg.com
Forward-Looking
Statements
This release contains forward-looking
statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald,
Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA”) with respect to future events and
financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this regard include
statements regarding an inspection of a nuclear reactor by one of MDA’s robotics
solutions (the “Solution”). Any such forward-looking statements are based on
MDA’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of
its experience and its perception of historical trends. The factors and
assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include
the Solution performing as expected. Any such forward-looking statements are
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from current expectations. MDA cautions readers that should
certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions
prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The
risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations
include general economic, regulations and competitor changes; changes in
government priorities, funding levels, contracts and regulations; failure of
robotic solutions to meet performance requirements; and failure to anticipate
changes in technology, technical standards or comply with the requisite
standards.
For additional information with respect to certain of these
risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to
MDA’s continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian
securities regulatory authorities, which are available online at www.sedar.com or on MDA’s website at www.mdacorporation.com.
The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form
or content of this release.
For more information, please contact:
Wendy Keyzer
MDA
External Relations
Telephone: 604-231-2743
E-mail: wendy@mdacorporation.com


