Description
The High-Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) requires the removal and disposal of its reactor pressure vessel (RPV) due to radiation embrittlement. ORNL is seeking input from interested parties regarding their ability to provide turnkey or selected specialty expertise and resources to support the RPV removal, packaging, and disposal of the project's radioactive and mixed wastes. The scope of work includes characterization of the RPV source term, physical vessel removal, vessel storage, transportation, and disposal, as well as planning and execution of characterization and disposal of the project's radioactive/mixed waste.
Some key aspects of the project include:
• Replacement of the HFIR RPV is scheduled for the late 2030s
• The project involves the removal and disposal of radioactive and mixed waste
• The subcontractor will be responsible for ensuring all necessary equipment is available to perform the work
• The project requires detailed long-term planning to minimize the amount of time that HFIR is shut down and to minimize dose to personnel
• The subcontractor will be responsible for specifying the disposal path, supplying packaging, selecting the disposal facility, and providing transportation and disposal paperwork
• The project involves the removal of the RPV, sectioning it into smaller pieces if necessary, packaging it, transporting it, storing it, and disposing of it