Safety In Decommissioning Of Research Reactors

This Safety Guide addresses the subject of how to meet the requirements for decommissioning of nuclear power plants and research reactors. It provides guidance to national authorities and operating organizations on the planning and safe management of the decommissioning of such installations.

Establishes requirements for all areas of the safety of research reactors, with particular emphasis on requirements for design and operation. This publication covers the lifetime of research reactor facilities, from site evaluation to design and construction, commissioning, operation, including utilization and modification, and decommissioning.

"This Safety Requirements publication establishes requirements for all main areas of safety for research reactors, with particular emphasis on requirements for design and operation. It explains the safety objectives and concepts that form the basis for safety and safety assessment for all stages in the lifetime of a research reactor. Technical and administrative requirements for the safety of new research reactors are established in accordance with these objectives and concepts, and they are to be applied to the extent practicable for existing research reactors. The safety requirements established in this publication for the management of safety and regulatory supervision apply to site evaluation, design, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, operation (including utilization and modification), and planning for decommissioning of research reactors (including critical assemblies and subcritical assemblies). The publication is intended for use by regulatory bodies and other organizations with responsibilities in these areas and in safety analysis, verification and review, and the provision of technical support."--Publisher's description.

Presents guidelines for the safe utilization and modification of research reactors to ensure that these projects are implemented without undue risks to personnel, the public, the environment or the reactor. This guide is also recommended for use by organisations planning to put a new reactor into operation.

This is the first report published by the IAEA which provides guidance on the preparation and implementation of the decommissioning of different types of research reactor. Different construction and operational features of research reactors have a major impact on the decommissioning techniques required. This report offers information on the conclusions drawn from a number of completed projects and identifies their similarities and differences. It is complemented by a computerized research reactor databank. Staff requirements, decommissioning costs waste activity are presented graphically according to reactor thermal power and integrated energy.

Taking into consideration the work done to date on research reactor decommissioning, it is timely to provide an up to date basis for ongoing and intended activities in this field. This report reviews, from a historical perspective, decommissioning projects completed in recent years or under way, and assesses progress as well as open and new issues. It is meant to facilitate timely, safe and efficient completion of decommissioning projects for research reactors by highlighting technologies, and planning or management methodologies, and suggesting ways to overcome expected issues. The report includes a CD-ROM providing details of several hundred research reactor decommissioning projects.