Engineering problems associated with decommissioning the Windscale Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor

The Windscale Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor (WAGR) was built by the UKAEA as a research facility and prototype for the projected commercial AGRs. It was constructed during the period 1957-1961, and its design output was 100 MW(Th) 33 MW(e). It operated at an average load factor of 70 percent until 1981 when power generation ceased, although there were a further 2 1/2 months of concluding experiments. In 1975 a decommissioning feasibility study was started, and reports were issued in 1977. An engineering plan was developed along with estimated costs and completed in 1979. The proposals were approved for implementation and authorization to start actual dismantling in November, 1981. The objectives of WAGR decommissioning are: (a) To demonstrate that it is technically feasible to dismantle a nuclear reactor safely and at an acceptable cost in terms of both cash and dose uptake. (b) To establish a route and appropriate authorization procedures for the disposal of the active waste. (c) To highlight engineering problems, develop equipment and techniques, and to acquire data and expertise which will be of use in the design and subsequent decommissioning of nuclear power plants. (d) To record and disseminate information