Hanford single-pass reactor fuel storage basin demolition

Area of Science:

• Environmental Restoration
• Nuclear Decommissioning
• Radiological Control

Background:

• The Hanford Site's F Reactor required demolition of its fuel storage basin as part of the Interim Safe Storage (ISS) project.
• The basin, deactivated in 1970, contained debris and potentially spent nuclear fuel, posing significant radiological challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the innovative approaches used for the radiological control during the demolition of the F Reactor fuel storage basin.
• To detail methods for controlling total effective dose equivalent and contamination.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a remote-operated excavator to manage high-dose-rate radioactive materials.
• Implemented wireless technology for real-time monitoring of evolving radiological conditions.
• Developed and applied novel techniques for radiological control during demolition.

Main Results:

• Successfully controlled total effective dose equivalent and minimized contamination spread.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of remote-operated equipment in handling hazardous materials.
• Validated the utility of wireless monitoring for dynamic radiological environments.

Conclusions:

• The demolition of the F Reactor fuel storage basin was successfully completed using innovative radiological control strategies.
• Remote operation and advanced monitoring technologies are crucial for safe and effective nuclear decommissioning.
• These methods provide a transferable model for similar environmental restoration projects.