Dismantling of HLLW Process Installations of the German Reprocessing Facility (WAK) - Progress and first Experiences in Hot Application of Remote Techniques - 17083

Decommissioning and dismantling of the former German Pilot Reprocessing Plant Karlsruhe (WAK) including the Vitrification Facility (VEK) is being executed in different Project steps related to the reprocessing, HLLW storage and vitrification complexes. While inside the reprocessing building the total inventory of process equipment has already been dismantled and disposed of, the HLLW storage and vitrification complex has been placed out of operation since vitrification was finalized in year 2010 and is now under deconstruction. This paper describes the progress and experiences made in dismantling of the process cells of the HLLW storage building. The major challenges of the dismantling are the high dose rates up to 70 Sv/h and the locking technology for the removal of the hot cell installations. As well as the adaption and extensive prototype testing of the remote handling equipment which was applied to dismantle the hot cell equipment prior to the start of the dismantling. (authors)