Methodologies for the Remote Dismantling of an Isotope Plant
The plant was used to produce highly radioactive isotopes for medical use in the 1950s. Since the plant ceased operation it has been maintained in a mothballed state. It contains an inventory of highly radioactive material and is located above an existing operational building.
The Issues
The plant is old and will deteriorate and so requires to be decommissioned. The high levels of radiation in the plant mean that remotely controlled equipment must be used to dismantle the wide range of equipment and process vessels within. Bespoke equipment has had to be designed and developed to carry out the dismantling and waste handling operations required. Access to the plant to obtain information about the condition of the plant is limited to remote inspections by camera.
REACT worked with the project team to develop detailed methodologies for the remote dismantling of the plant. For each task to be undertaken, a number of possible options were worked to a scheme design level (requiring consideration of remote deployment, types of tooling to be used and the sequence of activities required).
