Hanford Single-Pass Reactor Fuel Storage Basin Demolition

Area of Science:

• Environmental Restoration
• Nuclear Decommissioning
• Radiological Control

Background:

• The Hanford Site's Environmental Restoration Contractor is responsible for decommissioning reactor structures.
• Interim Safe Storage involves removing auxiliary structures while preserving reactor core containment.
• The F Reactor fuel storage basin, deactivated in 1970, required demolition as part of this process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the radiological control challenges and innovative demolition approaches for the F Reactor fuel storage basin.
• To detail methods for controlling total effective dose equivalent and contamination during demolition.
• To highlight the use of remote-operated excavators and wireless technology for radiological monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Demolition of the fuel storage basin containing debris and potential spent nuclear fuel.
• Implementation of radiological control strategies to manage dose and contamination.
• Utilization of a remote-operated excavator for handling high-dose-rate materials.
• Deployment of wireless technology for real-time monitoring of radiological conditions.

Main Results:

• Successful control of total effective dose equivalent and contamination during basin demolition.
• Effective removal of high-dose-rate materials using a remote-operated excavator.
• Real-time radiological condition monitoring enabled by wireless technology.

Conclusions:

• Innovative approaches successfully managed unique radiological challenges during the F Reactor fuel storage basin demolition.
• Remote operation and wireless monitoring were critical for safe and effective decommissioning.
• The methods employed ensured the successful placement of the F Reactor into Interim Safe Storage.