Decommissioning and dismantling (D&D) needs to get smarter…
What’s the Issue?
Currently there is a lack of standardisation procedures in D&D operations. This means that each D&D process is handled differently, which may result in lost time and higher costs if problems arise. The PLEIADES project will help standardise these processes by developing a platform embedding simulation tools. The different tools will be interoperable to allow the staff concerned to access all the information in one place for each step of the D&D process. These tools will comprise of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 3D modelling and augmented reality (AR).
What will PLEIADES do to help D&D?
The PLEIADES platform will gather cutting-edge digital tools needed for D&D all in one place, streamlining the process. The platform will use Building Information Modelling (BIM) which is a technique used to coordinate and manage different technologies for smooth project management.
The idea behind the PLEIADES project is to provide one interface for digital tools and allow an exchange of the data between them. They will be used to simulate different key points of a decommissioning project, including scenario feasibility, waste estimation, dosimetric assessment and costs and duration estimation.
As the definition of such an interface requires the participants to fully understand and model a decommissioning process, an additional outcome of the project will also be such a model, like a map of the decommissioning procedure.
In addition to these tools, simulations performed during the project will also define common methodologies from data and knowledge generated during the D&D process. By implementing these methodologies on real cases, the strengths and weaknesses of such an innovative approach will be evaluated.
The project will define common methodologies to be generalised for decommissioning projects outside of the nuclear sector. The approach will enable workers to capitalise on the data and knowledge generated during the D&D process. Furthermore, training support will be created and a first training session will be organised to disseminate such a methodology.
Working together over larger distances online can reduce travel cost and carbon footprint and it may allow teams to include experts that usually would not be included because of their physical distance to the project site. This may also help other organisations (e.g. international organisations, regulators, operators, technology providers etc.) to organise and formalise their knowledge. This common basis also fosters the exchange of decommissioning knowledge and lessons learned among experts and organisations.
PLEIADES Objectives
Protect workers
To protect workers, PLEIADES will be used to optimise worker radiation exposure and to choose the best intervention scenario with application of the ALARA principle. New training schemes, based on more user-friendly methods that rely on Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, will be created to improve interactions with and among concerned D&D staff.
Protect the environment
The PLEIADES project will help to better prepare interventions and to implement well-validated and optimised intervention scenarios in the case of issues arising during a project. Therefore, it will significantly reduce the traditional decommissioning project risks that could affect the environment. The PLEIADES project will also aim to protect the environment around nuclear plants by simulating, optimising and reducing radioactive waste.
Optimise costs
By using an up-to-date digital model, D&D costs are better controlled as they are calculated in real time. By optimising scenarios and waste management, the cost of implementing D&D will be lowered.
IMPACTS
This will be done over the 3 years of the project’s lifetime but the PLEIADES story won’t stop there. The platform developed by PLEIADES could also be used for other types of plant decommissioning, such as chemical or petrochemical plants and the tools have many other possible applications.
Safety and radiation protection solutions closer to the market
Providing compliant technology
satisfying requirements of current legislation
International Cooperation
including European and global partnerships
(the platform can be used in chemical industry, for example)
Defining R&D and priorities for D&D
to enhance future D&D research
Creation of new jobs
such as in the nuclear and software development sectors