Trial Run of Final Disposal to start by 2023
Posiva is the first nuclear waste management organisation in entire world to start final disposal of spent nuclear fuel by 2025. Prior to proceeding to the operational phase Posiva will conduct a Trial Run of Final Disposal (TRFD) in 2023. The TRFD comprises the whole disposal process with final disposal systems and machinery, organisation and procedures, but will be performed with dummy fuel assemblies.
Posiva is the first nuclear waste management organisation in entire world to start final disposal of spent nuclear fuel by 2025. Prior to proceeding to the operational phase Posiva will conduct a Trial Run of Final Disposal (TRFD) in 2023. The TRFD comprises the whole disposal process with final disposal systems and machinery, organisation and procedures, but will be performed with dummy fuel assemblies.
• Dummy spent fuel bundles are transported from interim storage to the encapsulation plant
• The copper canisters are loaded with dummy nuclear fuel bundles and then sealed by welding
• The filled canisters are hoisted down to the repository area
• Buffer and canisters are inserted into the deposition holes
• Demonstration tunnel is backfilled and closed with a plug
• A "damaged" canister is hoisted up and mitigation of the situation, repairing the damage and returning to normal operations is tested.
The Trial Run is the final phase of Posiva’s preparing for the operation of the deep geological repository (DGR). Successful execution of the test plays an essential role in the future commissioning of the encapsulation plant and the underground final disposal facility. The Trial Run provides a demonstration to multiple stakeholders that Posiva can manage the entire final disposal process and is able to start the industrial operation of ONKALO®.
Currently, Posiva Solutions is preparing a project, which makes it possible for waste management organisations from around the world to participate to the Trial Run of Final Disposal. By participating they will be able to gain unique knowhow to benefit for their own DGR program.
Should you be interested to hear more about this opportunity, please feel free to contact Posiva Solutions. Posiva Solutions is a subsidiary of Posiva.
The other subsidiary from Olkiluoto is TVO Nuclear Services (TVONS) owned by TVO. In the assignments, TVONS uses the expertise TVO has accumulated in Olkiluoto. Services offered are new nuclear power plant projects, radioactive waste management and disposal, nuclear safety, performance improvement and training.
Text: Jari Makkonen
Photo: Posiva Oy
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