Design And Construction Of Nuclear Power Plants To Facilitate Decommissioning

This report provides guidance on the planning for decommissioning and on the provision of relevant features at the design and construction stages of nuclear power plants. Most of the information presented is equally applicable, however, to planning and implementing the decommissioning of research reactors and prototype reactors. The report will be useful in the context of backfitting and refurbishment of existing facilities.

35 9.2 TYpical PWR Station Layout 36 9.3 Regions of Highest Radiological Hazard 38 9.4 Decommissioning Scenarios 40 9.5 Existing Structural Features of a PWR which may aid Decommissioning 42 9.6 Structural Features that might be introduced into Future PWR Stations to aid Decommissioning 43 10. REFERENCES 44 11. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 45 12. TABLES AND FIGURES 45 APPENDIX A - SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 98 1 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 This report describes the work carried out by Taylor Woodrow Construction Limited (!WC) in a study aimed at identifying features Which may be incorporated at the design stage of future nuclear power plants to facilitate their eventual decommissioning and, in so dOing, promote economic and radiological benefits at the decommissioning stage. 1.2 For the purposes of this study, decommissioning of a nuclear facility means those measures taken at the end of the facility's operating life to remove it from the site and restore the site to green field conditions, and, While so doing, ensure the continued protection of the public from any residual radioactivity or other potential hazards present in or emanating from the facility. The overall decommissioning process involves eventual dismantling and demolition and may also include, Where possible and appropriate, the intermediate steps of renewal and refurbishing.

Once a nuclear installation has reached the end of its safe and economical operational lifetime, the need for its decommissioning arises. Different strategies can be employed for nuclear decommissioning, based on the evaluation of particular hazards and their attendant risks, as well as on the analysis of costs of clean-up and waste management. This allows for decommissioning either soon after permanent shutdown, or perhaps a long time later, the latter course allowing for radioactivity levels to drop in any activated or contaminated components. It is crucial for clear processes and best practices to be applied in decommissioning such installations and sites, particular where any significant health and environmental risks exist. This book critically reviews the nuclear decommissioning processes and technologies applicable to nuclear power plants and other civilian nuclear facilities. Part one focuses on the fundamental planning issues in starting a nuclear decommissioning process, from principles and safety regulations, to financing and project management. Part two covers the execution phase of nuclear decommissioning projects, detailing processes and technologies such as dismantling, decontamination, and radioactive waste management, as well as environmental remediation, site clearance and reuse. Finally, part three details international experience in the decommissioning of nuclear applications, including the main nuclear reactor types and nuclear fuel cycle facilities, as well as small nuclear facilities and legacy nuclear waste sites. Critically reviews nuclear decommissioning processes and technologies applicable to nuclear power plants and other civilian nuclear facilities Discusses the fundamental planning issues in starting a nuclear decommissioning process Considers the execution phase of nuclear decommissioning projects, including dismantling, decontamination, and radioactive waste management, as well as environmental remediation, site clearance and reuse

In recent years, several Member States have completed the decommissioning of multifacility nuclear sites. This publication consolidates their technical and organizational experience, and provides information and practical guidance that promotes safe, timely and cost effective implementation. All phases of decommissioning are discussed, from planning and dismantling to waste management and site release, as well as organizational schemes and funding. This publication is intended for decision makers, plant operators, contractors and regulators involved in planning, management, authorization and execution of decommissioning activities. It is particularly relevant for multifacility site operators with nuclear facilities approaching the end of their foreseen lifetime. The publication will also be of interest for the designers and builders of new nuclear installations in order to facilitate eventual decommissioning.

Nuclear Decommissioning Case Studies: Policies, Strategies, Planning and Knowledge Management focuses on policy, strategy, planning and knowledge management in nuclear decommissioning, offering readers guidance on events that occur in early stages of the lifecycle. The book helps readers plan in advance to avoid and reduce schedule delays and cost overruns to ensure a smooth, safe and successful decommissioning. Events covered in this book range from top-level conception, to strategy selection, the drafting of procedures, and the sharing of best practices. Alongside the other case study books in this series, readers will obtain an understanding of various key points and lessons learned. Decommissioning experts, including regulators, operators, waste managers, researchers and academics will find this book to be suitable supplementary material to Michele Laraia’s reference works on the theory and applications of nuclear decommissioning. Presents a selection of global case studies that focus on the early stages of nuclear decommissioning Highlights the need to ensure sustainability plans are in place at the beginning of a nuclear project Informs decision-makers on selecting the best options Assists the reader in setting clear plans and strategies to avoid schedule delays and cost overruns

Decommissioning is the last step in the lifetime management of an authorized facility and it must be considered during the design, construction, commissioning and operation of such facilities. This publication provides guidance on how to comply with requirements for the safe decommissioning of nuclear power plants, research reactors, and other nuclear fuel cycle facilities. It addresses all the aspects of decommissioning that are required to ensure safety including: roles and responsibilities, strategy and planning for decommissioning, conduct of decommissioning actions and completion of decommissioning. It is intended for use by those working in policy and strategy development, planning, implementation and regulatory control of decommissioning.

"This publication establishes requirements applicable to the design of nuclear power plants and elaborates on the safety objective, safety principles and concepts that provide the basis for deriving the safety requirements that must be met for the design of a nuclear power plant. It will be useful for organizations involved in design, manufacture, construction, modification, maintenance, operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plants, as well as for regulatory bodies. A review of Safety Requirements publications was commenced in 2011 following the accident in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. The review revealed no significant areas of weakness and resulted in just a small set of amendments to strengthen the requirements and facilitate their implementation, which are contained in the present publication."--Publisher's description.