Outline for Large-Scale System Operations and D and D Report

Abstract

The Department of Energy (DOE) has spent many decades using nuclear reactors and large process equipment for scientific research, reactor fuel production, defense weapons production, medical isotope preparation, and other uses. Many of these large facilities require remote handling and remote maintenance equipment and systems for their day-to-day operations and routine maintenance. In addition, many of these facilities have been taken off-line as a result of change in scientific or military interests, facility age, new technology, or many other varied reasons. Some of these unused facilities are undergoing or will soon undergo deactivation and decommissioning (D and D). The goal of this report is to examine the technical, operational, and regulatory requirements for size reduction, decontamination, sorting, and disposal of failed, or no longer needed, process equipment. The tasks commonly found in these efforts are classified as large-scale because of the reach and lift capacity requir ed of the remote handling systems. The D and D of large facilities would typically require devices with the reach required of the remote devices exceeding 2 meters and lift capacity exceeding 100 kg.