TMI-2 [Three Mile Island Unit 2] reactor vessel head and plenum removal

As a result of the damage to the Three Mile Island Unit 2 (TMI-2) core during the accident in March 1979, removal of the reactor vessel head and plenum in the normal manner was judged to be impossible. In June 1982, a task force was formed to develop a plan for removing the TMI-2 reactor vessel head. The plan proposed removing the head using the standard head removal procedure in conjunction with the necessary precautions, changes, and preparations required for potential problems. This included the potential for both higher than normal radiation levels and airborne radioactive contamination. In addition, the plan specified that the plant be left either in a condition to proceed with plenum and fuel removal immediately after head removal or in a safe long-term lay-up condition. The basic plan consisting of the described major steps is discussed