US-based Holtec International says it is using a new device, HI-CUT, to improve the efficiency of dismantling the reactor at unit 3 of the Indian Point NPP in Buchanan, New York State. The device is being used for reactor vessel segmentation.
All three units at the Indian Point Energy Centre have been closed for decommissioning. Unit 1, a 257 MWe pressurised water reactor operated between 1962 and 1974. Unit 2 was closed in April 2020, and unit 3 in April 2021, after 45 years in operation. Holtec purchased of the Indian Point Energy Centre from Entergy in June 2021 to undertake its decommissioning. Holtec says decommissioning is expected to take 12 to 15 years.
Holtec said its International Enterprise Unit has been undertaking a Reactor Segmentation programme for the past two years ago aimed at improving the efficacy of dismantling radiation-hardened and embrittled reactor internals and pressure vessels by minimising personnel dose, assuring control of spread of contamination and providing multi-layered protection to ensure personnel safety. This new HI-CUT segmentation technology was first used at Indian Point Unit 3 on 18 November 2022 starting with dismemberment of the reactor’s upper reactor vessel internals. According to Holtec, “The device’s performance exceeded expectations, reaching more than double the projected severance rates and upset-free operations for the past seven weeks.” HI-CUT is now deemed critical to the safe and efficient decommissioning of all three reactors at Indian Point.
The device underwent stringent testing before being deployed during which materials harder than severely irradiated reactor material (ASTM A-300), emulating the hardness of topaz, were cut in simulated conditions. “The results of the tests informed the equipment’s design,” Hoiltec noted. “An extensive operator training program including underwater testing of the HI-CUT system and a full-scale mock-up of the down-ending of the upper reactor vessel internals was completed prior to the system’s deployment which was instrumental in ensuring its success in the first attempt at the site. Special attention was paid to the development of a solid rigging and handling plan to handle parts under water which weighed in excess of 50 metric tons.”
Holtec Decommissioning International (HDI) previously announced a new technology which enabled nuclear waste to be packaged in less than 10% of the number of containers required by contemporary practice significantly reducing the number of off-site shipments. HDI is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holtec International and is the licensed operator for NPPs owned by Holtec providing licensee oversight of the decommissioning work undertaken. “We hope to bring these innovative technologies that enhance safety and environmental justice to other countries facing decommissioning in the coming years,” said HDI President Kelly Trice.
HDI is also decommissioning Oyster Creek NPP in New Jersey and Pilgrim NPP in Massachusetts. Earlier in 2022 Holtec also completed acquisition of the Palisades and Big Rock Point NPP sites in Michigan from Entergy for decommissioning. Holtec had applied for US federal funding to restart the Palisades plant but this was refused in November.
Image: The gantry-operated HI-CUT device which is being used for the segmentation of upper reactor vessel internals at unit 3 of the Indian Point NPP (courtesy of Holtec)
