Plan for Moata Reactor decommissioning, ANSTO
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Date
2003-03-24
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Publisher
International Group On Research Reactors
Abstract
‘Moata’ is an Argonaut type 100 kW reactor that was operated by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation for 34 years from 1961 to 1995. It was initially used as a reactor physics research tool and a training reactor but the scope of operations was extended to include activation analysis and neutron radiography from the mid 1970s. In 1995, the Moata reactor was shutdown on the grounds that its continued operation could no longer be economically justified. All the fuel (HEU) was unloaded to temporary storage and secured in 1995, followed by drainage of the demineralised water (primary coolant) from the reactor in 1996 and complete removal of electrical cables in 1998. The Reactor Control Room has been renovated into a
modern laboratory. The reactor structure is still intact and kept under safe storage. Various options for decommissioning strategies have been considered and evaluated. So far, ‘Immediate Dismantling’ is considered to be the most desirable option, however, the timescale for actual dismantling needs to take account of the establishment of the national radioactive repository. This paper describes the dismantling options and techniques considered along with examples of other dismantling projects overseas.
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Keywords
MOATA Reactor, ANSTO, Reactor shutdown, Research reactors, Reactor dismantling, Neutron radiography
Citation
Kim, S. (2003). Plan for MOATA Reactor Decommissioning, ANSTO. Paper presented to IGORR 9, (9th Meeting of the International Group of Research Reactors), Sydney, Australia, 24-28 March 2003. Retrieved from: https://www.igorr.com/Documents/2003-SYDNEY/Sungjoong-KIM.pdf