IRDIT Project: Innovative remote dismantling techniques. Results of the full scale testing of the remote dismantling in Greifswald NPP

For the dismantling of the pressure vessels and internals of the Greifswald WWER units 1 - 4 (440 MWe), remote-dismantling procedures will be used. In order to realize this, 3 different cutting areas are used, i.e.: a wet cutting pool for highly activated parts, a dry cutting area for less activated parts and a specific cutting area for the annular water tank. Techniques and procedures were tested in a mock-up installation, with original components from the not operated reactor units 7 and 8. The test program allowed the selection of the most suitable techniques, verification and optimisation of techniques and procedures selected for testing. The complete test program was executed from October 1999 to September 2002. The authorized expert selected by the licensing authority was involved in all steps of the testing. Thus, a firm basis for the licensing and the execution of the remote dismantling could be established. Based on the selected techniques and procedures, it was possible to evaluate the needed time and dose commitment for all dismantling steps. Presently the first nozzles of the reactor pressure vessel unit 1 are cut. The commissioning of components and systems are going on in unit 2 for the dry and wet cutting area, and the cutting of the first pressure vessel is scheduled for May 2004. (authors)