110m³ of 23 year old radioactive material has been removed from a Nuclear site in Cumbria, called Sellafield.
The process took months due to outdated equipment – ventilation systems were updated and valves replaced old transfer systems.
The team ultimately reduced the heat load on some of Highly Active Liquor Evaporation and Storage’s (HALES) oldest assets under the original expected timeline of more than a year.
Chris Bone, HALES head of operations, said: “A few years ago, there was real uncertainty about whether this could be done. The team’s willingness to think differently and work through those challenges made this success possible.
“I’d like to thank everyone who played a part in this achievement. The work was carried out alongside day-to-day operational demands, and the commitment shown by our teams has been outstanding. This success belongs to all those who contributed their time, expertise and determination to get the job done safely.”
The original site plans were to hold the liquor in the tanks until the end of operations in the facility, which was 2003.
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