Fast Reactors and Accelerator Driven Systems Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Superphenix - Strategy and orientations for dismantling the reactor block

Chiarot, D. (Electricite de France/CIDEN (EDF/CIDEN), Villeurbanne (France))

Abstract

The first studies for dismantling the Superphenix power station reactor block are currently progressing. They have defined the broad outlines of the dismantling strategy and proposed a certain number of orientations. Two dismantling methods have been considered: dismantling with the structures covered with sodium carbonate. And underwater dismantling. In both cases, dismantling will be carried out 'from the top' through the reactor slab and will be preceded by a preliminary phase of sodium retention reduction followed by a phase of vessel internals carbonation. The parameters contributing to the efficiency of the carbonation operation have been determined in the laboratory. A demonstration on a semi-industrial scale is planned on one sodium loop. The dismantling studies are undertaken with a view to the work lasting eight years maximum. (author)

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key words: reactor components; reactor cooling systems; reactor dismantling; reactor shutdown; reactor vessels; schedules; sodium carbonates; sodium; super phenix reactor; breeder reactors; carbon compounds; enriched uranium reactors; epithermal reactors; fast reactors; fbr type reactors; liquid metal cooled reactors; lmfbr type reactors; plutonium reactors; sodium cooled reactors
Reference:
Proceedings of a Technical Meeting held in Cadarache, France 11-15 March 2002
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
IAEA-TECDOC--1405, pp:191-201