System to cut on decommissioning - 000196

Ensa offers services for dismantling on site with different methods. These methods permit us to achieve an optimal dismantling from a safety and efficiency point of view. A specific cutting system under water has been designed to cut transversally control rod blades and channels. This system reduces the space necessary in the pool to store the waste and avoid the releasing of boron carbide particles or tritium present in the control rods. A diamond saw cutting method is proposed to cut heat exchangers, pumps, valves, pressurizers and large pipes. Diamond saw cutting permits to cut thicknesses greater than those that can be cut with other methods and it can be place easily on any site due to its small size. This method is safe and radiological appropriate since it minimizes the dispersion and the production of aerosols. Diamond saw cutting has been used for the dismantling of the Jose Cabrera nuclear power plant.