Nuclear Decommissioning: Planning, Execution and International Experience

by Michele Laraia (Editor)

Overview

Once a nuclear installation has reached the end of its safe and economical operational lifetime, the need for its decommissioning arises. Different strategies can be employed for nuclear decommissioning, based on the evaluation of particular hazards and their attendant risks, as well as on the analysis of costs of clean-up and waste management. This allows for decommissioning either soon after permanent shutdown, or perhaps a long time later, the latter course allowing for radioactivity levels to drop in any activated or contaminated components. It is crucial for clear processes and best practices to be applied in decommissioning such installations and sites, particular where any significant health and environmental risks exist.This book critically reviews the nuclear decommissioning processes and technologies applicable to nuclear power plants and other civilian nuclear facilities. Part one focuses on the fundamental planning issues in starting a nuclear decommissioning process, from principles and safety regulations, to financing and project management. Part two covers the execution phase of nuclear decommissioning projects, detailing processes and technologies such as dismantling, decontamination, and radioactive waste management, as well as environmental remediation, site clearance and reuse. Finally, part three details international experience in the decommissioning of nuclear applications, including the main nuclear reactor types and nuclear fuel cycle facilities, as well as small nuclear facilities and legacy nuclear waste sites. - Critically reviews nuclear decommissioning processes and technologies applicable to nuclear power plants and other civilian nuclear facilities - Discusses the fundamental planning issues in starting a nuclear decommissioning process - Considers the execution phase of nuclear decommissioning projects, including dismantling, decontamination, and radioactive waste management, as well as environmental remediation, site clearance and reuse

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857095336
Publisher:	Woodhead Publishing, Limited
Publication date:	02/21/2012
Series:	Woodhead Publishing Series in Energy
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	856
File size:	19 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Michele Laraia, a chemical engineer by background, gained his first degree at the University of Rome. In 1975 he began to work at Italy's Regulatory Body, since 1982 as licensing manager of decommissioning projects. From July 1991, Michele worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency, Waste Technology Section, as Unit Leader responsible for decontamination and decommissioning of nuclear installations and environmental remediation. The objectives of the work were to provide guidance to Member States on the planning and implementation of nuclear decommissioning and site remediation, to disseminate information on good practices, and to provide direct assistance to Member States in the implementation of their programmes. Following his retirement in November 2011 Michele offers consultant services in the above-mentioned areas.

Table of Contents

Contributor contact details Woodhead Publishing Series in Energy Preface Dedication Chapter 1: Introduction to nuclear decommissioning: definitions and history Abstract: 1.1 Semantics 1.2 Definitions 1.3 Reasons for publishing this book 1.4 Planning for decommissioning 1.5 Execution 1.6 International experience 1.7 Conclusions Part I: Planning: fundamental aspects of starting a nuclear decommissioning process Chapter 2: Overview of nuclear decommissioning principles and approaches Abstract: 2.1 The scale of the decommissioning industry 2.2 What is decommissioning? 2.3 Reasons for final shutdown 2.4 The no-action baseline 2.5 History and evolution 2.6 Responsibilities and interests of parties involved in decommissioning 2.7 Overview of technical and nontechnical aspects relevant to decommissioning 2.8 Future trends 2.9 Sources of further information and advice Chapter 3: Nuclear decommissioning policy, infrastructure, strategies and project planning Abstract: 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Decommissioning policy 3.3 Factors affecting decommissioning strategy 3.4 Options for decommissioning 3.5 The planning process 3.6 Challenges and lessons learned 3.7 Future trends 3.8 Sources of further information and advice Chapter 4: Financing and economics of nuclear facility decommissioning Abstract: 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Nuclear decommissioning cost estimating and financing 4.3 Recent experience in decommissioning 4.4 Funding schemes 4.5 Challenges and lessons learned 4.6 Future trends 4.7 Sources of further information and advice Chapter 5: Characterisation of radioactive materials in redundant nuclear facilities: key issues for the decommissioning plan Abstract: 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Characterisation objectives 5.3 The radionuclide inventory 5.4 Stages in the characterisation process 5.5 Characterisation methods 5.6 Equipment and measurement techniques for characterising wastes 5.7 Hazardous materials 5.8 Physical characterisation 5.9 Economic issues 5.10 Challenges and lessons learned 5.11 Future trends 5.12 Sources of further information and advice Chapter 6: Managing the transition from operation to decommissioning of a nuclear facility Abstract: 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Objectives of the transition period 6.3 Strategic aspects 6.4 Management and administrative aspects 6.5 Implementation aspects 6.6 Challenges and lessons learned 6.7 Sources of further information Chapter 7: Nuclear decommissioning project organization, management and human resources Abstract: 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Organization responsible for decommissioning 7.3 Responsibilities, qualifications and training 7.4 Contractors versus operational staff 7.5 Management of change 7.6 Challenges and lessons learned 7.7 Future trends 7.8 Sources of further information Chapter 8: Public engagement and stakeholder consultation in nuclear decommissioning projects Abstract: 8.1 Introduction 8.3 Stakeholders relevant to the decommissioning process 8.4 Identifying stakeholders 8.5 The Dounreay low-level waste-disposal facility 8.6 Factors that may influence stakeholder involvement in decommissioning 8.7 How to handle stakeholders 8.8 Challenges and lessons learned 8.9 Future trends 8.10 Sources of further information and advice 8.12 Appendix: list of abbreviations Chapter 9: Radiological protection in the decommissioning of nuclear facilities: safety, regulations and licensing Abstract: 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Personnel health and safety issues (ALARA) 9.3 Environmental protection 9.4 Risk prevention and decommissioning preparation 9.5 National and international guidance 9.6 The licensing process for decommissioning 9.7 Challenges and lessons learned 9.8 Future trends Chapter 10: Nuclear facility design and operation to facilitate decommissioning: lessons learned Abstract: 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Project factors relevant to design for decommissioning 10.3 Physical features and practice to facilitate decommissioning 10.4 Application of lessons learned: practical guidance 10.

Editorial Reviews

"...designed for young people and future generations in Japan and other countries that have nuclear reactors, as well as the US and Ukraine..which experienced serious nuclear accidents. I expect this book to become the bible in the field of nuclear decommissioning." —International Journal of Environmental Studies, Vol 69, Issue 4 -12

"This book critically reviews the decommissioning and decontamination processes and technologies available for rehabilitating sites used for nuclear power generation…Therefore it is a helpful reference tool for nuclear power operators, nuclear plant managers, engineers, regulators and consultants, as well as researchers and academics in this field."—International Journal for Nuclear Power, April 2014

"An unprecedented book covering every technically important decommissioning field, written by international decommissioning leaders." —Dr Takeshi Ishikura, Executive Research Fellow, Nuclear Power Engineering Center (NUPEC), The Institute of Applied Energy (IAE), Japan

"This book provides an essential framework for all decommissioning key activities, enriched and illustrated by practical case studies. I will keep it within easy reach in my bookshelf., Dr Hans G. Riotte, Head, Radiation Protection and Radioactive Waste Management Division, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), France
This excellent book describes the entire process of decommissioning, from planning to management to completion, in a clear and comprehensive manner. I found the detailed examples of successful projects and best practice particularly helpful." —Shelly Mobbs, Eden Nuclear and Environment, UK

From the Publisher