EXPERIENCE OF DECOMMISSIONING OF TRANSPORT FLASKS

With a fleet of 4000 transport flasks and associated materials, COGEMA is involved with EDF and other foreign customers (Japan, Germany) in the transportation of nuclear materials (fissile and spent fuel, plutonium, uranyl nitrate, vitrified and low-activity level residues). Providing this service since the start of civil nuclear activity, we are currently faced with solving the industrial problem created by decommissioning of such materials. An original process was implemented by MMT for decommissioning baskets made of mixed stainless steel and aluminium structure that was used for transporting spent fuels from Pressurized Water Reactors. Other methods were used for decommissioning obsolete trailers, tanks and flasks. The purpose of this paper is to present the technical solutions taking into account the nuclear safety and security constraints and the industrial choices made for optimizing economic aspects.