Lid lifted for first time since 1970s as steelwork is stripped from Dounreay test reactor
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Original steelwork is being stripped out from the Dounreay Materials Test Reactor (DMTR) in a project that has seen its lid being lifted for the first time since the early 1970s.
DMTR became Scotland’s first operating reactor when it achieved criticality in 1958. It was used for irradiation tests on materials until its shutdown in 1969.
In 2018 a contract was awarded to Cavendish Nuclear Limited to dismantle and demolish the reactor. The fuel, heavy-water coolant and some redundant plant have been removed – leaving the reactor vessel, supports and containment shell ready for final demolition.
Work is now focused on the Fuel Element Storage Block (FESB), where irradiated fuel was stored after its removal from the reactor. The 8.9-tonne lid, known as the top plate, mezzanine floor and steel beams surrounding the top of the 5m tall FESB have now all been removed.
DSRL project manager Fiona Forbes said: “When DMTR was constructed in the late 1950s, it was technologically advanced and innovative.
"Sixty years on, its demolition will be a major milestone for the site. This is the first time that the top plate has been lifted since the early 1970s.
“The work is being carried out by a team of up to 50 personnel including Dounreay Site Restoration Limited staff, Cavendish and local firms that are working together to move the project on in a safe and secure way.”
While all deconstruction activities are inside at the moment, demolition of the reactor will be the biggest change to the Dounreay skyline since decommissioning began and "a major strategic achievement".
The next phase of work, to surround the FESB with an atmosphere-controlled containment structure, is under way and will enable operators to demolish the reinforced concrete block. This is expected to be carried out using a remotely operated demolition machine in the coming months.
