ISSUE 16 2014

INSIGHT into nuclear decommissioning

Delivering progress across the UK WASTE MANAGEMENT Contents

2-5 2014 NDA Estate Supply Chain Event “Our suppliers are 6-7 Japanese success for research company vital to the mission” 8 £13 million R&D investment John Clarke, NDA Chief Executive 9 Record-breaking apprentice intake

10-11 Windscale Pile milestone

12 Wylfa keeps lights on

13 Boilers smelted

14 finds right material

15 Views shared on geological disposal

16 Archive consultation

Front cover: Christopher and were among the guests invited to witness the removal of the iconic Windscale Pile filter gal- lery, a safety feature fitted at the insistence of their Nobel prizewin- ning relative Sir John Cockcroft which proved critical when the What they said: 1957 fire broke out – full story, see page 10 “It was fantastic. The quality of exhibitors and delegates in attendance was at a level very rarely Welcome to the winter edition of our news magazine seen at any event in the UK" Insight, bringing you details Thomas Graham & Sons of progress from round the estate. “Another superb event – the best yet” If you have any comments, PacTeC EPS Ltd please contact the editor Deborah Ward on 01925 832280 or “The perfect forum for raising our business [email protected] profile and it really exceeded all of our expectations” MechaTech Systems

“We managed to engender quite a bit of interest in our work” Institute for Collaborative Working

2 Supply chain event just gets busier! This year’s NDA Estate Supply Chain Event has been informally voted a huge success, attracting around 1,500 visitors who enjoyed a day of informal networking opportunities and presentations on the decommissioning sector.

Social media feedback, including events towards creating the right "The event is now in its fourth year, Twitter and LinkedIn, carried post- environment for business success. and is becoming an important fixture event comments ranging from in the calendar for businesses in “superb” to “the perfect forum” The main hall featured 260 nuclear decommissioning. and “fantastic”. exhibition stands, staffed by a wide range of technical and service "The success of our mission Now believed to be the largest of suppliers, alongside information depends on vibrant, dynamic its kind in Europe, the Manchester stands representing the NDA, the businesses that can provide event, organised jointly by the NDA SLCs, government bodies and solutions to the many challenges and its Site Licence Companies, is regeneration organisations. across the NDA Estate. We remain aimed at creating greater visibility committed to working with our of opportunities for suppliers, and An Innovation Zone showcased supply chain, from the largest to for Small and Medium-sized leading-edge nuclear technologies the smallest players, to improve Enterprises (SMEs) in particular. For and a number of demonstrations. opportunities for involvement." both visitors and exhibitors, entry is Also attending for the first time were free of charge. The event is part of a series of representatives from the Ministry of initiatives developed over the past The day, themed ‘Connect and Defence, Defence Equipment and three years to encourage and Collaborate’, was formally opened Support and Submarines Operating support the supply chain. by Baroness Verma, Parliamentary Centre, with a presentation by Rear Under-Secretary of State for the Admiral Mike Wareham. Photograph: Above, Ron Gorham (left) and John Department of Energy & Climate Ron Gorham, the NDA's Head of Clarke (fourth left) with Baroness Verma Change, who spoke about the Supply Chain Optimisation and SME (fifth left), Rear Admiral Mike Wareham importance of the supply chain and Champion, said: "We are absolutely of the contribution made by such and the MOD team

delighted by this year’s success. INSIGHT EDITION 16 3 Supply chain Supply Chain Event - Awards

Small businesses lead the way A highlight of the event was the presentation of the annual awards, which recognise the vital contribution of suppliers to the UK clean-up mission.

An impressive level of level of innovation in their approach Ron paid a special tribute to technological innovation from to challenging situations. the winner of the collaboration smaller businesses left judges category: Give2Gain involved no “The winners have also excelled at with a real selection challenge, fewer than 31 organisations. adapting technologies from outside according to Ron Gorham, Chair the nuclear industry, working “Despite being competitors on of the judging panel – hence together and showing an absolute a daily basis, they have jointly three highly commended awards determination to overcome brought enormous benefit to the in the Small and Medium-sized problems and difficulties. skills agenda – well done,” he said. Enterprise innovation category. “These awards celebrate the Photograph: On a larger scale, meanwhile, commitment of our supply chain Above, delegates listen to one of the James Fisher Nuclear Ltd and the value they bring on a daily presentations scooped two awards and also basis. It gives us great pleasure featured in a third category. to acknowledge their critical role Contractor: Ron added: “The standard of in delivering timely, cost-effective Event management - Marick entries was again extremely decommissioning across all of our Communications high, especially from SMEs who sites.” demonstrated a really inspiring 4 ‘Extra mile’ category Minister’s award

Awarded to the supplier who has gone that ‘extra mile’ Sponsored by the NDA’s Minister who recognises the to deliver a contract, or something of value that made great value, flexibility and innovation SMEs bring to the a difference within the NDA Estate or supply chain, decommissioning mission. Selected from all SME entries whatever the size of company. This might be excellent across the categories. customer service, sheer determination and commitment to succeed in the face of adversity - something unusual, Winner exceptional or creative, that made a difference and Thomas Graham & Sons: Engineering supplies across delivered benefit. the NDA estate. Winner Shortlisted James Fisher Nuclear: Radiometric Instrumentation Steve Vick international Metrology Contract Delivery. NATAS Asbestos: Nuclear Ltd NSG Environmental Ltd Highly Commended Mechatech Systems Aquila : Berkeley Chute Silo – Flask and Export Plant. Also shortlisted Best example of innovation – Thomas Graham & Sons SME category Whether a new product/process or adaptation of technology from other non-nuclear markets, Best supply chain collaboration innovations bring savings and are a key focus for the NDA Estate. This category is split into two awards, one This category is open to suppliers who have worked for SMEs and one for larger suppliers. collaboratively within the supply chain. Examples could be suppliers who have brought together everyone involved Winner in the delivery of a project or contract, working towards Steve Vick International: BEPO Storage Block a common goal and finding collaborative solutions to decommissioning at Harwell. problems, or those who have successfully integrated SMEs into the supply chain. Highly Commended (1) Winner Mechatech Systems: Berkeley vacuum drying system. Give2Gain, a skills programme pilot, backed by Highly Commended (2) £1 million of funding provided by the Employer Ownership of Skills Programme. NATAS Asbestos: Nuclear Ltd: 360° site survey of SGHWR Primary Containment, . Headed by NIS Ltd and co-ordinated through the National Skills Academy for Nuclear with: AMEC, Highly Commended (3) Bendalls Engineering, Capula, Cavendish Nuclear, DRS, Energus, Esterline/Darchem, Fort Vale, Forth Engineering, NSG Environmental Ltd: Berkeley Caesium Removal Gleeds, Graham Engineering, Hare Structural Services, Plant Waste Retrieval. Helander, , James Walker, JF Nuclear, Lab Impex Systems, NES Engineering Innovation, NIS Ltd, NSG, NDSL, Nuvia, SR3C Ltd, Best example of innovation – Rotork, Servelec Controls, Studsvik, Supacat, Tata Steel, TIS Cumbria Ltd, Wallace Sheet Metals. large business category Highly Commended Winner Hertel, Shepley Engineers and AMEC: Collaboration on James Fisher Nuclear: Remotely Operated Sellafield Multi-Discipline Site Framework. Vehicles (ROVs). Also shortlisted Shortlisted Sellafield Supply Chain Coalition: Cavendish Nuclear, Cavendish Nuclear AMEC, Morson Projects, Cape Industrial Services, Jacobs Jacobs Engineering UK, NIS Ltd, Shepley Engineers, NMMI Engineering Ltd Vinci Construction UK, Hargreaves, Balfour Beatty, PaR Systems Ltd Capula, Carillion, Doosan Babcock, Hertel, Nuvia, Redhall, Jacobs Stobbarts Ltd.

5 Research and development

spotlight on R&D

UK research company maps Fukushima radiation A small UK research company is supporting the Fukushima clean-up with sophisticated, tailor-made technology that detects and maps radiation with pinpoint accuracy.

Createc’s N-VisageTM system, Createc’s unique system operates in specialises in developing innovative developed and exhaustively tested over stages, combining radiation measuring applications of imaging technology. a number of years, has been specially and the latest sensor technology with The Fukushima work arose following adapted for use at the stricken Japanese advanced 3-D computer modelling. a 2012 Cumbrian trade mission to plant, where it is hoped to become The result is an accurate distribution Japan backed by Britain’s Energy the primary technology for mapping map of contamination and radiation Coast, which provided an opportunity contamination inside all the reactor levels in different parts of a facility, for a number of businesses, including buildings. The system is compact, and the capability to predict how the Createc, to demonstrate the technology lightweight and can be deployed though radiation environment will evolve as before a reciprocal visit by Hitachi to small openings, in tight spaces and in the facility is modified or taken apart. west Cumbria. The mission was also high-dose environments. Such information is critical to drawing supported by the NDA, NMP, INS, up decommissioning plans across the The £0.5 million contract with clean-up the Government body UK Trade and NDA estate, and will inevitably be vital contractor Hitachi is the largest Investment and the British Embassy. as the decommissioning of Fukushima ever secured by the Cockermouth-based is taken forward. Createc Managing Director Matt Mellor firm, which specialises in developing said: “One of the Hitachi delegation innovative applications of imaging Createc, which was spun out from compared finding the N-Visage technology. REACT in 2010 as an independent R&D technology in Cumbria to finding a rare business, employs 12 staff and Picasso in the attic, and we are thrilled

6 New brochure outlines approach to investment The NDA has published a new R&D brochure, which outlines its approach to one of the main routes for investing in R&D the development of Research and Development innovative technical solutions. Driving solutions, delivering progress

November 2014 The 16-page brochure focuses on funds that are invested directly by the NDA in projects that can deliver are leveraged through joint initiatives innovation across the whole state, with other public sector organisations. enhance technical skills and inform the Prof Melanie Brownridge, the NDA’s UK-wide strategy. Head of Technology, said: “We are very Six case studies are included, proud of the progress that has been demonstrating a range of funding achieved from our R&D investments. mechanisms and different Our aim is to leverage our funding technologies at varying stages of where possible and encourage further development. collaboration to address the unique challenges on our sites.” Approximately £85 million is spent annually to support site-level projects A further brochure is planned that will commissioned via the SLCs and look at R&D carried out within the Site a further £5 million on projects Licence Companies. commissioned directly by the NDA. To request a hard copy, email: Many of the directly funded projects [email protected] and for a digital are collaborations between different copy, see the NDA’s website: research organisations, including www.nda.gov.uk that our technology is able to support the academic institutions, SLCs and the Fukushima clean-up. The support from supply chain. Additional funds NDA and other funding organisations and the Japan mission have been incredibly important to us and other companies involved in decommissioning.” NDA's R&D funding supports progress He added that the Japanese enthusiasm For the NDA, which the Technology Strategy Board), NDA, for the technology had inspired Createc the Department of Energy and Climate to renew its drive to make greater contributed towards Change (DECC) and the Engineering inroads into the UK market, which has so development of the software and Physical Sciences Research far proved difficult to access. in 2009 via £50,000 of Council, which contributed to additional progress. The technology is already being adapted funding support from the for use in non-nuclear environments, strategic R&D portfolio, Prof Melanie Brownridge, such as airport security checks and other Createc’s success NDA Head of Technology, said: “We are delighted to see how Createc’s surveying applications. demonstrates the huge technology has developed and is “However, the next challenge for us is to importance of identifying now being fully deployed in a difficult see N-VisageTM deployed more widely at and encouraging relevant nuclear environment. It has been trialled successfully at Sellafield and nuclear sites in this country, where we research and development. has great potential for use at other believe it will deliver significant benefits NDA sites. in terms of enabling greater understanding The initial NDA funding enabled of radiation distribution and, therefore, Createc to extend the system’s “It is critically important to support optimum planning for taking facilities apart,” capabilities to a wider range of promising concepts at the early stage situations, making dramatic progress in he added. and encourage progress and maturity a short space of time. of the technology right through to Photographs: market deployment. The joint The company secured Top, Createc’s technology accurately approach with other organisations £2 million of further investment is also important in securing maps contamination, shown here in one through the 2012 joint awards by the sustained funding.” of Fukushima’s reactors Government’s Innovate UK (formerly INSIGHT EDITION 16 7 Research and development

£13 million for safe, smart technologies Decommissioning technologies are among the projects set to receive a financial boost following a £13 million joint initiative to stimulate the UK’s nuclear sector. Innovate UK (formerly the Technology importantly, bring research partners together civil nuclear operations which are smarter Strategy Board), the NDA and the collaboratively in the drive for progress and and safer than ever before, and it’s a great Department of Energy and Climate Change creative scientific thinking. I was very pleased commercial opportunity for UK plc and its (DECC) have collaborated to help encourage with the level and quality of responses.” businesses." a strong, sustainable supply chain serving The decommissioning market is set The 2014 awards followed an earlier both national and global markets. to expand over the coming decades, with collaborative initiative two years ago, funding The projects to benefit include novel up to 145 reactors, mostly European, more than 30 projects, and build on the techniques for analysing contaminated expected to reach the end of their lives recommendations of recent reports on concrete, thermal treatment of irradiated in the next 15 years and an estimated the UK's civil nuclear sector, including the and cheaper, more effective international market worth £50 billion Government's Nuclear Industrial Strategy vitrification of Intermediate Level Waste. annually. published in March this year. They also Some of the investment will enable the demonstrate sustained innovation funding. The growth comes as the nuclear industry continuation of previously funded projects. begins a major global expansion, with www.innovateuk.org Following a competitive assessment around £930 billion investment planned in process, varying levels of funding were new reactors, including the first UK nuclear awarded to 15 collaborative R&D projects, power station to be built since 1995, at and a further 26 smaller-scale feasibility Hinkley Point C. studies. Innovate UK Chief Executive Iain Gray NDA Head of Technology, Prof Melanie added: “These proposals, and the consortia Brownridge, said: “Our R&D strategy is behind them, will help our civil nuclear very focused on developing innovative industry set new standards in safe and smart technologies that support our clean-up operation. All the innovations you see here mission. will either help the UK consolidate areas where we are world-leaders or help us move “Joint funding initiatives such as this towards that position in others. greatly increase the investment potential across the whole nuclear sector and also, "It marks a significant step forward for

A number of collaborative decommissioning projects received support, ranging from around £300,000 to £1 million each, including:

Project Lead Partner Summary Thermal Treatment of Costain, Manchester A combination of new techniques to thermally treat irradiated graphite, Irradiated Graphite enabling a dramatic reduction in volumes to be stored. ViridiScan: a novel Viridian Partnership, On-site laser analysis of contaminated surfaces in both open and confined mobile NDT Dorking, Surrey spaces: quicker, safer for personnel and removing the need to transport decommissioning radioactive material hundreds of miles. sensor The first Detectable BAM Ritchies, Difficulties arise in measuring the reach of grouting cement injected into the Permeation Grouting Kilsyth, Scotland ground to form barriers against water and contamination movement. This System project will develop the world’s first reliably detectable grouting system – improving barrier safety and construction efficiency. SmartScan Symetrica Security A nuclear ‘toolbox’ of thermal neutron and enhanced gamma detectors for Ltd, Southampton non-destructive characterisation of nuclear materials and waste. D:EEP: Estimating Create Technologies A non-destructive technique measuring extent and depth of radioactive Entrained Products Ltd, Cockermouth, contamination in concrete, removing the considerable risks involved when Cumbria assessing facilities due for demolition. Post Operational , New glass formulations to immobilise solids from historic storage tanks, Clean Out (POCO) Cumbria enabling the overall volume reduction of the UK's high level waste and residues helping to accelerate the nuclear waste clean-up programme at Sellafield. Hazmelt Glass Technology A novel electrode design to allow cheaper and more effective vitrifying – Service, Sheffield turning into glass – of Intermediate Level Waste types. Flexible Charged Kromek Ltd, A ‘thin film’ alpha radiation sensor to provide the first cost-effective solution Particle Detector Sedgefield, County for detection and measurement of contamination in pipework for Nuclear Durham in a nuclear power plant. Decommissioning 8 Skills and capability

New faces join the challenge A record number of apprentices have been taken on at Sellafield to help drive forward the NDA’s most complex decommissioning programme.

One hundred and seventy youngsters helping build a more sustainable industrial “A diverse range of skills will be required have begun apprenticeships with future. over many decades to complete the Sellafield Ltd, as the site ensures it has mission and it’s important that local young the skills it needs to complete its mission. “I am pleased to see the taxpayer receive people are given the chance to grasp a return on the Government’s significant those opportunities. A quarter of this year’s intake is female, investment of taxpayers’ money at which is seven times the national average Sellafield. “The skills they acquire will last a lifetime rate in the nuclear industry. and benefit the UK economy for their “The chance to complete an entire working lives. The new recruits, mostly aged between apprenticeship offers a route to raise 16 and 18, will join local training the aspirations of young people, and it “I’m particularly pleased to see such provider Gen2 for the first year of their is very encouraging to hear that those a large intake of female apprentices. programmes before moving on to roles who successfully complete the course Engineering in general, and nuclear in with Sellafield Ltd. will have a secure, well paid job at the particular, do not have a diverse enough end of it where they’ll be performing the workforce – it’s essential that we use They can look forward to a world-class important duty of contributing to the the talents of everyone in order to make three-and-a-half year training scheme decommissioning of Sellafield. our industry more effective and more with a job in the nuclear industry reflective of society.” guaranteed for those who successfully “And if they choose to go down a different complete the course. career path they’ll do so with a fantastic qualification and bags of experience in Photograph: Jamie Reed, the MP for Copeland, whose nuclear and energy, which is a growth A record 170 young people have been constituency includes the Sellafield site, industry.” recruited to apprenticeships at Sellafield said: “It’s vitally important that we grow the skills base in the UK so that we can NDA chief executive John Clarke said: respond to the challenges posed by “The scale of the challenge at Sellafield is industry. immense but with that challenge comes huge opportunity both for individuals and “Investment in the education and training for the UK as a whole. of young people is an important route to INSIGHT EDITION 16 9 Site restoration

A final farewell to the Folly Christopher Cockcroft was just eight years old when his physicist father insisted that expensive filters were fitted on top of the two Windscale Pile chimneys that helped to produce for the UK’s Cold War weapons programme.

Nobel prize winner Sir John Cockcroft’s belated safety requirement came after construction had already started and was criticised in the nuclear industry as ‘over the top’. The chimneys were dubbed Cockcroft’s Follies.

But the pioneering scientist’s foresight helped to prevent the 1957 Windscale fire from escalating into a full-blown nuclear catastrophe that could have spewed contamination across much of northern England.

Christopher, now 72, paid tribute to his pioneering father when he attended a commemorative ceremony to mark removal of the final section of the filter gallery from the remaining chimney.

“It’s a huge honour to be here to see this work being carried out. We should remember the exemplary courage and devotion of the Windscale men who fought to control the fire back in 1957. My father would be extremely proud to know that his legacy of safety in the nuclear industry lives on at Sellafield today,” said Christopher, one of the guests who climbed the chimney to witness the 530-tonne structure being taken down. He was accompanied at the ceremony by Sir John’s grandson.

One of the chimneys was reduced in height 12 years ago and Sellafield Ltd is now tackling the crucial task of bringing decision was made after the chimney Sellafield’s Chris Wilson, leading the the more heavily contaminated second barrels had been designed and partially chimney demolition, said: “The team has chimney to the ground. built, so the iconic bulges were fitted at worked towards the safe delivery of this project for many years, so to be able to At 110 metres, the chimney is taller the top of the structures and successfully share this success with the family of John than the Statue of Liberty. Some 5,000 captured most of the radioactive Cockroft has been a great privilege. tonnes of concrete, steel and brick will be contamination. carefully dismantled and safely disposed Tony Price, Managing Director of Sellafield “The decommissioning challenges posed of, after being monitored for any remaining Ltd said: “Dismantling this chimney is by the Windscale Pile reactors and contamination. one of the most visual demonstrations of chimneys are unique. It’s a complex job in terms of both radiological and conventional Although Sellafield was at the forefront the progress we’re making to clean up safety, with no instruction manual.” of pioneering , the Sellafield. Cockcroft’s Follies prevented a catastrophe, but the 1957 fire was old plants had few of the safety features Photographs: nevertheless a dark hour for nuclear in the which would now be deemed essential. Opposite page, from the left, grandson UK and one from which much was learned. In October 1957, a fire took hold in Pile 1 John Cockcroft, son Christopher and It is testament to Sir John that the UK reactor, reaching 1,300 degrees C. Project Manager Chris Wilson view nuclear industry is today one of the safest Sellafield from the Folly, above, before it is Thankfully, Sir John had insisted on the in the world.” dismantled high-performance filters. However, the

10 “My father would be extremely proud to know that his legacy lives on” Christopher Cockcroft

FACT FILE

• The original pile chimneys before decommissioning platform inside the chimney were built between 1947 work could start. The first and on which a remotely and 1950. Identical in chimney was reduced to the operated demolition vehicle structure, with a 14-metre level of the adjacent reactor was used to remove the diameter reinforced concrete building in 2001, however chimney lining and steel structure, they consisted the second chimney posed work. of seven major sections: more of a challenge due to • A combination of manual foundations, main shaft, radioactive contamination and semi-remote techniques diffuser, filter gallery with from the fire. are being used to provide plant rooms, concentrator • Decommissioning progress the safest approach. These section, upper section and on the remaining chimney include concrete and access shaft. involved: stripping out steel cutting techniques, • Following the fire, the the thermal insulation lifting capability through chimneys were sealed at the lining, taking down the cranes and standard top, the contaminated filters concentrator, dismantling lifting apparatus, climbing removed and air inlet ducts the filter in-fills, removing platforms commonly used isolated. Radiation levels the four 10-tonne winches to access chimney stacks. had to reduce significantly that moved the head gear INSIGHT EDITION 16 11 Business Optimisation

Wylfa can keep the lights on until 2015 The world’s last operating plant, Wylfa on Anglesey, has secured an extra lease of life and is now scheduled to generate electricity for five years longer than originally anticipated.

Double awards for Magnox Wylfa’s work on the extended generation has been recognised as a Programme of the Year at this year’s Association of Project Management (APM) awards. The award was one of two prestigious honours for at the annual ceremony in London. Issues associated with the end of fuel production were overcome An estimated £785 million of generation, defueling and initial through the transfer of partially additional income will have been decommissioning. used fuel between the shut-down secured from the additional lifespan, reactor and its one remaining helping to offset the costs of the Stuart Law, Wylfa Site Director, operational reactor. The project NDA’s decommissioning mission. said: “We are pleased that Wylfa’s was the first of its kind in the UK, extended generation will allow us to requiring the team to deal with Originally scheduled to close in 2010, maximise income from generation for a range of challenges in reactor the Anglesey plant has been granted the site’s owner, the NDA and the UK operation, fuel management and a number of lifetime extensions after taxpayer, and also provide another plant safety as well as meeting demonstrating to the regulators that 15 months of opportunities and practical, physical and regulatory it can continue to meet the stringent continued development for staff. A constraints. safety requirements. It can now lot of people contributed and worked operate until December 2015. hard on the PSR and this result is a Magnox also won the Project real credit to them. Professional of the Year category The largest and last of its type to for the work on decommissioning be built in the UK, Wylfa’s twin “This will be Wylfa’s final period of the former spent fuel cooling reactors date from 1971 and once generation. After December 2015, ponds across the 10 UK sites. supplied enough electricity for we will follow in the footsteps of almost half of Wales. Reactor 2 other Magnox sites and begin to The APM Project Management stopped generating in 2012 while defuel the reactor which will take up Awards has been awarding project Reactor 1 has continued to operate, to three years.” management excellence for over using partially used fuel that was 20 years. Recognising the very transferred from the shut-down Dr Brian Burnett, NDA Head of best in the profession, winners reactor – manufacture of the fuel Programmes, added: “I welcome of the sought-after trophies ceased in 2008 and the stocks have the ONR’s decision. Wylfa is demonstrate the invaluable gradually been used up. an important asset and this contribution project management announcement is good news for and project professionals make in Magnox submitted a Periodic the UK’s energy supply, for the NDA all sectors. Safety Review (PSR) to the Office and for the people of Anglesey. I for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) in thank everyone whose efforts have September 2013. The PSR, required contributed to this successful every 10 years, includes a review outcome.” of the safe operation of the site for the subsequent 10 years and Photograph: encompasses periods of power Top, staff at work on the reactor pile cap

12 Integrated waste management

Success is what it all boils down to Almost 18 months ago, the town of Berkeley came to a standstill as the last of 15 huge redundant boilers trundled away from the nearby nuclear site, loaded on massive transporters. Now, the remaining pieces of the metal To mark the project’s success, key giants, each weighing 310 tonnes, have individuals and stakeholders were been smelted down at a specialist plant invited to Studsvik’s nuclear licensed in Sweden – with a small quantity turned site in Sweden. Magnox and LLWR into commemorative plaques to mark representatives were presented with completion of a project that has seen more engraved plaques made from the than 4,000 tonnes of metal recycled and recycled boiler steel. returned to the open market. The group retraced the boilers’ Swedish The project has also saved more than 5,500 journey from the harbour to the The project won the NDA’s cubic metres of space at the UK’s Low specialist large components storage Collaboration Award in 2012, Level Waste Repository, where the boilers, hall, the cutting booth and finally the when it was described by classified as Low Level Waste (LLW), were melting facility. Guests witnessed the the judging panel as the originally scheduled for disposal. last remaining piece of boiler being “largest-ever shipment of size-reduced and sectioned, then shot- decommissioned components Only 3% of secondary residues will be blasted to remove any contamination from a UK nuclear site”. The returned next year for final disposal at and eventually being sent to the furnace joint winners were: Studsvik UK LLWR, near Drigg in Cumbria. for the final melt. Ltd, ALE Transport, LLWR with Costain, Assystem, Doosan Simon Bedford, Magnox Project The original plan for the boilers, which Power Systems, Wynn & Sons, Manager, said: “This marks the end of a dominated views around the site for Meriaura and Oceaneering. huge project for Berkeley. Our aim is to many years, was to leave them outside reduce risk and cost associated with the the reactor buildings until final clearance Magnox decommissioning programme of the site in 2074, when they would have Photographs:

through innovative approaches and INSIGHT EDITION 16 been consigned to the LLWR. Additional Above, the boilers were cut up and this was no exception. By working NDA funding allowed early removal, smelted before some of the remaining collaboratively with LLWR, ALE Transport and the project required extensive pieces were made into plaques with one and Studsvik, we were able to achieve a collaborative working. presented to Berkeley Site Director Alan very positive outcome, recycling around Neal (centre right) by Nigel Kitt of Studsvik 95% of the boilers.” 13 Decommissioning

Dressmaker Gail finds perfect material for radiation camera When Dounreay decommissioning specialists began wondering about procuring a bespoke cover for their radiation-detecting robotic camera, they found the perfect material ….. at a local dressmaker’s.

Ironing-board fabric and a 7.0 tog duvet were used for the tailor-made insulated hood that will help to combat heat inside the high-hazard Dounreay Fast Reactor vault. Ultimately, it will contribute towards removing residual amounts of the highly dangerous liquid-metal coolant sodium-potassium, known as NaK. “The robot was actually easier to work with and less stressful than some humans. It was a challenge, but as a dressmaker nothing is too challenging and no request is impossible," said seamstress Gail Russell, who works for Elizabeth’s Fabrics in Thurso. “I needed to cut in darts like the bust of a dress and allow for movement of the camera head," she added. Dressmaker Gail accompanied shop owner Elizabeth Macdonald on a site visit to hand over the cover for the last of several test fittings. The camera, designed to take pictures of radiation sources, is normally used with a tripod but will be trialled with a new deployment method and lowered The team face unique challenges complex structure.” upside down through the roof into the with the facility, which is more than reactor vault. 50 years old. Parts of it have been Ken Heider, project director for unseen for decades and creativity reactors, added: “The DFR NaK is During scans lasting many hours, the was required to design equipment one of the highest hazards for the camera will look through the steel capable of looking inside. NDA estate and the safe removal of pipework and vessels to see the this highly dangerous material and radioactive coolant inside, gathering “This shows how some lateral dismantling of associated facilities is critical information for the clean-up. thinking ‘outside the box’ and solid crucial to the site’s decommissioning team work can solve technical programme.” The deployment kit was designed and problems. The camera should allow manufactured by DSRL’s in-house the team to see any radioactive design and workshop teams, while the coolant blockages inside pipework - Photograph: hood was designed and manufactured it’s a bit like having X-ray vision,” said Elizabeth Macdonald, Robin Herrick, in collaboration with Elizabeth’s Aly Mackay, DFR characterisation and Sanders Macdonald, Gail Russell, Steven Fabrics. dismantling project manager. Craigie The vault contains the reactor vessel “A lot of innovation was required to within a graphite shield. The space put this inspection together and it contains numerous vessels and could be a real game-changer for the kilometres of pipework which, during removal of residual NaK and for us to operations, carried the primary liquid understand what radiation will still be metal coolant (NaK) from the reactor there when we come to dismantle this core to the heat exchangers. 14 Views shared on new organisation More than 70 stakeholders attended Management’s (RWM) first stakeholder event in Birmingham in September to hear about the new organisation, its mission and how it plans to go about its business.

Stakeholders were also engaged in RWM, outlined the Implementing Alun Ellis, Science and Technology sessions to feed back thoughts on Geological Disposal White Paper Director, focused on: how RWM should progress. which sets out actions for the next 24 months, including: • The continuing need to undertake Bruce McKirdy, RWM’s Managing research and keep abreast of Director, welcomed the attendees and • Land-use planning (DECC led). international developments so introduced the new company, its new designs and safety case are role and new identity. He emphasised • Working with communities (DECC based on latest knowledge. the need for RWM to listen to public led). concerns and to answer questions in • RWM plans for peer review and • National geological screening external scrutiny. ways the public understand. (RWM led). In a video message, Baroness • Engagement with the regulators, • Preparing for community to underpin RWM’s safety culture Verma, Parliamentary Under engagement (RWM led). Secretary of State for Energy and and competence. Climate Change, said: “RWM was His presentation was followed by • The recently published Science set up to give greater focus and Ann McCall, Director of Waste and Technology Plan. accountability to the implementation Management, who spoke about her of the Government’s geological team’s work to develop new ways Finally, Professor Neil Chapman, disposal policy for higher activity of working with waste packagers, Chair of RWM’s Technical Advisory radioactive wastes. But their work support to NDA Strategy and Panel, described the panel’s role in is not just about developing a assessments of waste packages helping RWM deliver its programme. geological disposal facility – it is also so they are suitable for a geological disposal facility. There was also a session in which about working with industry to find stakeholders broke into groups to innovative and effective solutions to Alastair Burns, Managing Director discuss expectations on the siting preparing and packaging waste for of Burns & Co, gave a presentation process and radioactive waste safe long-term storage and disposal.” on consumer research preceded by management. a selection of video clips in which The event included presentations Photographs: Top, RWM Managing and Question and Answer sessions members of the public expressed views about radioactive waste. Director Bruce McKirdy (right) in action with the RWM Executive team. Peter as (left) stakeholders feed back their McDonald, Acting Siting Director for views INSIGHT EDITION 16 15 Information and knowledge management

Information Governance Programme

The archive project is part of a much larger NDA workstream, The Information Governance Programme (IGP).

The IGP's objective is: To maximise business value from the NDA knowledge and information assets in a compliant and secure manner. All NDA Site Licence Companies and subsidiaries are involved.

When the NDA was established in 2005, it acquired responsibility for the huge volumes of information accrued at its sites over decades and held in a multitude of formats, as well as Archive plans move forward information yet to be produced. Public consultation continues on the NDA’s plan As a Government body, the NDA is required to ensure this material is for a nuclear archive at Wick in Scotland that will preserved in line with legislation on house more than 70 years’ worth of historic and public information and that it meets current information from across the UK’s civil the needs of the NDA estate. The level of ‘information’ covered nuclear industry. is extremely wide and includes: The start of the 12-week planning dating as far back as Second World archived operational records, plant consultation process was marked by War, that are currently stored in various designs, graphics, photographs, an exhibition of architects’ plans and locations around the country. publications, digital records, mock-ups and opportunities for face- intellectual property, research Much of the information will eventually be to-face dialogue with the project team. documents, waste records - and digitised and made available for electronic Scores of visitors called in during the even the intangible professional research, and to support the ongoing event, held in Wick, including residents, expertise acquired by staff during decommissioning mission. businesses, council representatives and their careers. other organisations. Some of the material is currently held in The IGP will also require the buildings scheduled for demolition as The consultation will be followed by safeguarding of sensitive material, sites are decommissioned, while some is submission of an application for planning the duplication and/or destruction also stored in off-site locations. Sellafield, permission to Highland Council in of records where appropriate, the NDA’s largest site, is estimated to January 2015. the sharing of knowledge to hold more than 50% of all the records in support decommissioning The NDA archive is being developed in numerous stores, while at least of 80,000 activities, ensuring access and partnership with Highland Council, whose archive boxes are held in commercial agreeing systems for managing own North Highland Archive records will storage facilities. the information in both digital and also be housed in the facility. hard-copy formats into the future. The Wick facility will also be developed as Separately, the procurement exercises are a base for training archivists, potentially The NDA’s Head of Information also under way to appoint a commercial offering apprenticeships, linking up with Governance Simon Tucker is partner who will operate the archive, as the University of the Highlands and Islands leading the IGP, which has been well as a design and build contractor. and the local community. in the planning phase for nine years and will continue for many Potentially employing around 20 full-time NDA is also committed to working with years to come. staff, the archive will bring together vast other regional heritage centres around the numbers of records, plans, photographs, country. Watch out for further drawings and other important information announcements in the near future!

© Nuclear Decommissioning Authority 2014. Some images appear courtesy of site licence companies. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of material or images produced or used by the NDA. However, the NDA cannot guarantee that the images shown will always be current, accurate or complete and does not warrant or endorse the accuracy or completeness of the images. 12/14 2k 16