GLOBAL NUCLEAR |
were paramount during the demolition process. CHBWV completed this challenging milestone using lessons learned and Jacobs is looking forward to applying those best practices on future projects. As a result of high-level waste vitrification operations, the
facility contained radiological and hazardous contaminants that needed to be controlled, contained, or removed. Deactivation work to reduce these risks was completed prior to the start of demolition. Demolition of the facility began on September 11, 2017
with Phase 1, which involved removing the outer sheet metal and steel portions of the facility with the least radiological contamination. Using a variety of heavy equipment and specialized tools, workers tore down three sides of the facility, including operating aisles, a control room, restrooms, truck bays, stairways, and tool and equipment storage rooms. Phase 2 began in November 2017 and involved the demolition of the heavily reinforced concrete process cell and remaining in-cell equipment. The vitrification process cell contained higher levels of radiological contamination than the building exterior and aisle areas demolished in the first phase. Using similar equipment, workers safely
removed four in-cell coolers weighing 7,188 pounds each, six shield windows, and a 38,000-pound process crane. The final phase was the removal of a 60-ton transfer tunnel door, 100-ton crane maintenance room shield door, cranes, and equipment. In addition, crews demolished the reinforced concrete structures including the Transfer Tunnel, Crane Maintenance Room and Secondary Filter Room. Worker safety and protection of the environment were
top priorities during the demolition project. Extensive control measures were deployed to prevent the spread of radioactive contamination and safety professionals provided continuous monitoring and sampling. Demolition was completed in one year, in challenging weather conditions, resulting in no lost time injuries, no radiological releases, and no environmental issues. Workers used turbo misters to spray water onto the
structure as it was being demolished to minimize the opportunity for dust to become airborne. Storm and dust suppression water was collected, transferred to holding tanks, and sampled prior to its discharge through an on-site wastewater treatment process. ■
To learn more:
colin.jones@
jacobs.com
Above: Before and after photos of the former Vitrification Facility at the West Valley Demonstration Project Images courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy
Above left: Storage pad with 56 steel-reinforced, concrete casks Above right: Relocation of first cask to on-site storage pad Images courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy
| 9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28
