Metal destruction rate powers ahead

August 25, 2010

Part of the chemical plant where liquid metal is destroyed

One of the most important decommissioning projects at Dounreay has chalked up one of its most impressive monthly performances.

More than 2500 litres of liquid metal from the primary cooling circuits of Dounreay Fast Reactor was destroyed last month – the second highest total since plant operations started last year.

It means almost 30,000 litres of the heavily-contaminated alloy of sodium and potassium is now safely destroyed.

Destruction of the hazardous coolant is a strategic priority for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change.

The increased rate of destruction during July means the plant is now ahead of schedule for meeting an October performance target set by the NDA.

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