Finding the best solutions for reactors' dismantling

SE Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (hereinafter – INPP), consistently implementing its activity strategy, is approaching the main challenge – dismantling of reactors. The dismantling of the RBMK-1500 reactor is one of the most significant and at the same time the most complex projects in the entire INPP decommissioning program. There are only a few examples of dismantling graphite reactors in the world, among which there is no example of a dismantled RBMK reactor.

INPP specialists have prepared technical solutions for the dismantling of the reactor technological channels and water-steam pipelines, therefore these dismantling works will start soon. However, for the dismantling of the reactor core, i.e., graphite formworks and the surrounding metal structures and their filler, requires, it is necessary at first to develop an engineering concept, to prepare technology solutions for both dismantling work and waste management, as well as licensing.

What are the most optimal ways to dismantle graphite reactors? What remote tools can help operators safely remove radioactive graphite and other radioactive components of the reactor core? What solutions will be the most cost-efficient and safest for dismantling operations in reactors of this complexity and dimension? Not only INPP specialists are looking for answers to these questions, but also the international community of specialists participating in EU projects under the HORIZON-2020 program:

• The aim of the project INNOvative tools FOR dismantling of GRAPHite moderated nuclear reactors (hereinafter – INNO4GRAPH) is to develop physical and digital tools and methods to be used both in the planning of dismantling operations and during dismantling. It is planned to develop such tools as 3D modelling of dismantling scenarios, as well as measurement tools for the mechanical and physical properties, graphite formworks, laser-cutting equipment and others. To tackle these challenges, the leading nuclear companies and research partners have joined their experiences and efforts in this three-year EU-funded project. The first INNO4GRAPH workshop took place in February 2021. INPP Dismantling Projects Program Manager Jurij Šapoval and Technical Expert on Reactor Dismantling Project Aleksej Merežnikov have presented the current vision for INPP reactors dismantling and identified expectations regarding the INNO4GRAPH project. By participating in this project, INPP specialists will have access to information on the most innovative reactor dismantling and radioactive graphite processing technologies.

More information about the INNO4GRAPH project – at https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/945273

• One of the main tasks of the LD-SAFE project is the application of laser-cutting capabilities for the dismantling of the most important nuclear reactor systems. Existing conventional cutting techniques often limit efficiency, so laser-cutting technology has begun to be identified as a viable alternative. The LD-SAFE consortium consists of 4 leading European companies and 2 European research centers with many years of experience in the fields of nuclear facilities dismantling, environmental protection and safety assessment. INPP is ready to create the necessary conditions for conducting scientific tests that would allow to gain practical experience of laser-cutting and to evaluate the application of such experience in INPP decommissioning.

More information about the LD-SAFE project - at https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/945255

The dismantling of the world’s two most powerful RBMK reactors is a decommissioning project without analogues on the worldwide practice. By participating in international projects, INPP aims to use the best international experience, which will help to properly plan and implement reactors dismantling work in the future.