Dismantling design for a reference research reactor of the WWR type

•Design features of WWRs relevant to decommissioning have been analysed.•The technical basis for the preparation and implementation of dismantling has been established for a reference WWR.•The applicability of existing proven dismantling technologies has been established.

A decommissioning study has been carried out for a reference research reactor of the WWR type. Many such reactors were constructed more than 50 years ago and most of them are still in operation. Decommissioning has now become an important consideration. This paper summarizes the main decommissioning steps and, on the basis of the reactor design features, technical aspects of the dismantling and removal of the contaminated/activated components have been analysed. The advisability of the removal of large components, such as the reactor vessel and the heat-exchangers, as one piece items has also been demonstrated. Additionally, a work schedule and an estimation of the collective dose for the preparation and implementation of dismantling have been established. The applicability of existing proven dismantling technologies has been identified together with some additional features for the dismantling.