Harwell Project Up-date

June 15, 2010

B462  The Retrieval Machine 2 has been returned to service after extensive transfer drum port repairs and can recovery continues. Most of the waste containers have corroded leaving the waste debris loose in the storage tubes; work has to be progressed to overcome this problem. Work is continuing on developing a business case for the removal of special nuclear materials from Harwell. Discussions are underway with regulators to verify that removal of these materials would result in a reduction of security requirements.

LETP  Further blockages have been encountered during remobilisation of tank 5.3. Another sludge assessment will be undertaken next week and options reviewed to identify the way forward. Work has started on improvements to the cement feed system to mitigate against potential blockages.

B220 & B459  Waste process programme continues to schedule. The new laser crane positional device has been successfully installed in the Transfer Area. Preparation of waste and resin impregnation has continued throughout the week.

B459  Commissioning of the cell personnel entry door interlock system has been completed. The half yearly building inspection and work on renewing the buffer corridor handrails have also both been completed. Manipulator maintenance continues along with preparation of the paperwork to remove the dummy cell area equipment.

BOSS  The Harwell security fence was reconfigured to reflect the new Eastern entrance on 10 May. This step represents a major sign of RSRL’s progress in the decommissioning of the Harwell site, readying the land for commercial redevelopment in the future. The Eastern area will be de-licensed in two stages with the first stage expected to be completed within the next two months.

B401.4  Demolition commenced on 17th May and will last for 33 weeks. Whilst not much can be seen from outside; the asbestos removal is well under way.

B393  Base slab removal commenced on 17th May and will last for 10 weeks.

For more information please contact Angela Vincent, RSRL Communications Team, Harwell