Watch: Use of 700kg of explosives at Sizewell A speeds up removal process of power station turbine halls
The use of about 700 kilograms of explosives has significantly reduced the removal timetable for turbine halls at a power station.
The Office for Nuclear Regulation oversaw the targeted and specialist explosive demolition of the hall bases at Sizewell A, which greatly weakened them.
This means the turbine hall bases can be razed to the ground using machinery in two weeks, while other methods would have taken many months.
The process was the largest single use of electronic detonators and cartridge explosives ever at a nuclear site in the UK.
The twin reactors at Sizewell A were shut down in 2006 after 40 years of electricity generation.
Andrew Bull, ONR’s nominated site inspector at Sizewell A, said: “This was a great example of joint working between regulator and dutyholder and everybody being open to considering and actioning novel and forward-thinking technological solutions to bring about efficiencies.
"Our stance as a consistently enabling regulator means that we will always support proactive and innovative methods of working provided these are conducted safely and securely."
Several test blasts were under taken beforehand and the detonator timing sequence was designed to meet nuclear site requirements.
An area the size of a football pitch will be available for future decommissioning use by Nuclear Regulation Services in around March next year.
Alan Walker, Sizewell A site director, said: "It’s fantastic to see our contract partners and regulator pushing the boundaries of innovation in de-plant and conventional demolition together.
“Everyone involved has done an outstanding job and this success demonstrates our commitment to achieving safe, efficient decommissioning processes.”
More than 7,000 tonnes of metal were removed and recycled from the turbine hall before the detonation.
The success of the project means NRS may use the demolition technique in some of its other 12 decommissioning journeys.
