West Cumbria Sites Stakeholder Group
Key Projects
UK Waste Treatment Project Experience
Studsvik has developed significant expertise to demonstrate the use of our waste treatment routes for UK wastes.
Historically, we completed the treatment of six Multi-Element Bottle flasks for British Nuclear Group Sellafield Limited as part of a pilot project from 2002-2005 (Case Study, below). This, the first UK Metals Melting project overseas, was undertaken for the
Sellafield THORP Technical Department and proved the treatment route for UK materials from cradle-to-grave . Secondary wastes from this project have been successfully consigned to the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) at Drigg.
Case Study: Treatment of Six MEB Flasks
Client Comments:
"Sellafield Limited successfully carried out a development project with Studsvik linked to the recycling of LWR fuel transport and storage containers known as Multi-Element Bottles (MEBs).
An excellent working relationship was developed leading to the successful recycling of 4 used MEBs and recovering over 60% of the material for re-use whilst reducing the waste volume by around 75%.
The project was jointly developed from concept through to completion with Studsvik bringing their wide experience on radioactive metals treatment and melting to the project.
Customer focus and delivery was strong throughout the project and in all contacts with Studsvik Staff and their contractors. Communication and reporting throughout the project was always excellent. Studsvik’s engineering and nuclear experience and ideas lead to a real solution based on a balance of innovation and pragmatism along with the continuing need for a 'value for money' result.
A pleasure to work with this company who has a 'nothing is too much trouble' approach
to their customers whilst meeting project delivery and cost constraints." Client Project Manager, Sellafield
Studsvik has also recently completed the treatment of 15 tonnes of scrap ferrous material arising from the Wheelabrator facility at Sellafield.
This project confirmed the suitability of the treatment route for UK wastes and all operations were witnessed by Sellafield customer personnel.
The work demonstrated the processing of material that could not be treated at Sellafield, and resulted in secondary wastes of 6% of the incoming mass of material. Studsvik has also recently undertaken the treatment of approximately 30 tonnes of lead from Sellafield arising from the decommissioning of a laboratory. The scope of work included packaging and logistics; support to Transfrontier Shipment submissions; transportation of three consignments of lead for treatment; melting and packaging of secondary wastes.
Studsvik has also completed demonstration projects on Magnox metals. This has included laboratory scale melting trials on samples of Magnox boilers from Trawsfynnydd and trial projects on two waste streams from Calder Hall including reactor charge baskets and pipework. Studsvik has also received a successful 3-day Duty of Care audit by Magnox personnel in 2007.
On incinerables, we have further demonstrated the UK-Sweden waste treatment route, having successfully delivered three consignments of contaminated oil for incineration from Sellafield and processed 40m3 of waste. We also engaged with Sellafield on a trial for dry incinerable waste from the UK. We have a further oil incineration contract with Westinghouse Springfields approved for Transfrontier Shipment.
In the MoD sector, we have ongoing contracts with Babcock Marine at Rosyth and Devonport for the metallic waste treatment and recycling of approximately 200te of components from the submarine nuclear propulsion programme including flasks, flask internals, fuel pond items and other miscellaneous scrap metals. As part of this process, the Studsvik facility in Sweden has been approved for the treatment of classified military material.
Studsvik has also completed a number of supporting studies in relation to Metals Recycling including the NDA Strategic BPEO on Metals, and a Duty of Care report for Sellafield covering all BPM aspects of our operations. We are currently undertaking a feasibility study for Urenco looking at the treatment of UF6 contaminated cylinders and replicating the treatment of 250 identical cylinders successfully completed for Urenco in The Netherlands.