IPS Flow Systems: Supporting Every Stage of Nuclear Decommissioning Across the UK & Ireland

Nuclear decommissioning is a highly complex, multi-stage process that involves the safe closure, dismantling, and restoration of nuclear facilities that have reached the end of their operational lives. This process requires meticulous planning, advanced technical skills, and strict adherence to regulatory standards to ensure the safety of workers, the public, and the environment. As the leading supplier to the nuclear decommissioning industry across the UK and Ireland, IPS Flow Systems plays an integral role in ensuring that these projects are completed efficiently, safely, and within regulatory guidelines.

With over 30 years of industry experience, a vast inventory of materials, and next-day delivery capabilities, IPS Flow Systems provides unparalleled support to nuclear decommissioning teams.

Our commitment to excellence and safety makes us a trusted partner throughout each phase of the decommissioning process.

A Comprehensive Approach to Nuclear Decommissioning

The decommissioning of a nuclear facility involves several distinct stages, each requiring unique strategies, materials, and expertise. These stages typically include:

1. Preparation & Planning
2. Decontamination
3. Dismantling & Demolition
4. Waste Management & Disposal
5. Site Remediation & Restoration

Each phase of nuclear decommissioning presents its own set of technical, logistical, and regulatory challenges. IPS Flow Systems provides essential support at every step, helping decommissioning teams navigate these challenges with confidence.

Preparation & Planning

The initial phase of decommissioning sets the foundation for the entire project. Preparation and planning involve creating detailed strategies, securing regulatory approvals, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring that all necessary systems are in place to manage hazardous materials.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Assessments

Nuclear decommissioning projects are subject to stringent regulations set forth by governing bodies such as the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) in the UK, Euratom, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These agencies require decommissioning plans to include comprehensive safety measures, environmental impact assessments, and strategies for handling radioactive materials.

IPS Support: IPS Flow Systems works closely with decommissioning teams during the preparation phase, providing technical expertise and ensuring that all materials meet regulatory requirements. Our products are designed to comply with the strict standards necessary for handling radioactive substances and operating in hazardous environments.

Our extensive stock ensures that all necessary components are available as teams begin setting up systems to manage hazardous materials, helping them avoid delays and stay on schedule.

Risk Management and Strategy Development

One of the critical aspects of planning is assessing the level of contamination in a facility and determining the appropriate decommissioning strategy. There are three main strategies for decommissioning a nuclear site:

• Immediate dismantling, where decommissioning begins shortly after the facility closes.
• Deferred dismantling, in which the facility is maintained and monitored for decades before dismantling to allow radioactive materials to decay.
• Entombment, where radioactive materials are permanently encased and monitored for long-term stability.
• IPS Support: Our team of experts assists in ensuring that decommissioning strategies are supported by the right materials and systems. Whether the strategy calls for immediate dismantling or long-term monitoring, IPS Flow Systems ensures that decommissioning teams have access to durable, long-lasting materials that meet the technical requirements of their specific project. With our vast stock and next-day delivery, we provide the assurance that critical materials will be available when needed, keeping preparation phases on track.

Decontamination

Decontamination is the process of reducing radiation levels within a facility to ensure the safety of workers and allow for the safe dismantling of structures. This phase involves removing or neutralising radioactive contaminants from surfaces, equipment, and systems.

Chemical and Mechanical Decontamination Methods

Two primary methods of decontamination are typically employed:

• Chemical Decontamination: This involves flushing systems with aggressive chemicals to dissolve and remove radioactive particles from surfaces. Chemicals such as nitric acid are often used in reactors and cooling systems to break down radioactive oxides.
• Mechanical Decontamination: Techniques such as grit blasting, cutting, and scraping are used to physically remove contaminated layers from metal surfaces or concrete structures. This method is particularly useful for treating larger structures that are difficult to decontaminate chemically.
• IPS Support: IPS Flow Systems supplies essential materials for the decontamination phase, helping ensure that the systems used to flush chemicals or manage abrasive decontamination processes are reliable and efficient.

Our technical experts are available to consult with decommissioning teams on the best practices for handling aggressive substances and securing containment.

Because of the high risk associated with decontamination, quick and reliable access to specialised materials is crucial. With IPS’s next-day delivery and extensive inventory, teams can ensure that every stage of decontamination proceeds as planned, reducing risks to workers and minimising downtime.

Radiation Reduction for Safe Dismantling

Reducing radiation exposure to safe levels is critical to ensure the safety of the workforce in later stages of the project. By lowering contamination levels within the facility, decommissioning teams can safely proceed with dismantling and demolition.

• IPS Support: Our experience in providing materials for radiation-heavy environments ensures that the systems decommissioning teams install are designed to handle radioactive exposure. We offer support in designing containment and transport solutions that minimise the spread of contaminants during decontamination activities. Our rapid access to materials helps teams progress without delays, creating safer environments for the next phase of work.

Dismantling & Demolition

The dismantling and demolition phase is one of the most technically complex stages of nuclear decommissioning. It involves the careful removal of radioactive components, structures, and systems while maintaining strict control over the spread of contamination.

Controlled Dismantling of Radioactive Systems

At this stage, the focus shifts to dismantling and removing radioactive systems, such as reactors, cooling systems, fuel pools, and steam generators. This process requires extreme precision, as any misstep could result in the release of radioactive particles into the environment.

• IPS Support: IPS Flow Systems plays a vital role during the dismantling phase by ensuring that the necessary systems for managing radioactive fluids and materials are in place and functioning correctly. We provide consultation services to ensure that the appropriate containment and control systems are available to handle radioactive materials during the dismantling of sensitive infrastructure. Our vast stock allows us to quickly supply specialised equipment, including leak-proof containment systems, that prevent contamination spread and safeguard the surrounding environment.

Structural Demolition and Material Handling

In addition to dismantling reactors and systems, demolition teams must take down massive structures that have been exposed to radioactive materials. Controlled demolition techniques are used to minimise the spread of dust and debris.

• IPS Support: We work with demolition teams to provide solutions for the safe handling and transport of demolition debris, ensuring that any contaminated materials are securely contained and disposed of according to regulatory guidelines. With IPS Flow Systems, teams can rely on fast access to the systems needed to transport hazardous materials safely, keeping demolition activities on track and ensuring a clean, efficient process.

Waste Management & Disposal

Nuclear decommissioning generates significant amounts of radioactive waste that must be handled with the utmost care. Waste is categorised into low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level waste, each requiring different handling, storage, and disposal methods.

Classifying and Handling Radioactive Waste

• Low-Level Waste (LLW): Comprising materials with lower levels of radiation, such as clothing, tools, and equipment, LLW is typically compacted and incinerated or buried in designated disposal sites.
• Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW): More radioactive than LLW, ILW includes materials such as reactor components and irradiated metals that require special handling and containment. ILW is typically encased in concrete or bitumen and stored in shielded containers.
• High-Level Waste (HLW): The most dangerous form of radioactive waste, HLW includes spent fuel rods and other highly radioactive materials that generate heat and require cooling before being transferred to dry storage or deep geological repositories.
• IPS Support: IPS Flow Systems provides comprehensive support in the waste management phase, ensuring that all systems required for the safe containment, transport, and disposal of radioactive waste are available and compliant with regulatory standards.

We offer expert consultation on the best practices for handling low-, intermediate-, and high-level waste, ensuring that these materials are stored and transported safely.

Our vast inventory ensures that waste management efforts are never delayed by material shortages, allowing teams to move forward with confidence.

Long-Term Storage and Disposal Solutions

For high-level waste, long-term solutions such as deep geological repositories are critical. These facilities are designed to store radioactive waste safely for thousands of years, preventing any risk of contamination to the environment.

• IPS Support: We work closely with nuclear waste management teams to provide the specialised systems needed to transport radioactive waste to long-term storage facilities. Our rapid response and technical expertise ensure that waste disposal efforts are carried out efficiently and with the highest level of safety, supporting long-term containment strategies.

Site Remediation & Restoration

Once the radioactive components of the facility have been safely dismantled and removed, the final stage of nuclear decommissioning involves remediating the site and returning it to a safe, usable condition. In some cases, sites are returned to their natural state, while others may be repurposed for industrial use.

Environmental Monitoring and Remediation

At this stage, teams focus on cleaning up any residual contamination in the soil, groundwater, and remaining structures. Long-term monitoring systems may be required to ensure that contamination does not persist, particularly if the site will be reused for other purposes.

• IPS Support: IPS Flow Systems provides materials designed to support site remediation efforts, including advanced drainage and monitoring systems for groundwater contamination. We work with environmental engineers to ensure that the systems they need to monitor and clean the site are in place and functioning correctly. Our fast access to materials ensures that remediation efforts are completed efficiently, enabling the site to be restored as quickly as possible.

Restoring the Site for Future Use

Once the site is decontaminated and safe, it may be repurposed for industrial development, housing, or returned to its natural state. This phase is essential for ensuring the long-term safety of the surrounding community and environment.

• IPS Support: IPS Flow Systems supports this final phase by ensuring that all the necessary components for site restoration, including monitoring and environmental control systems, are available on demand.

Our commitment to safety and quality ensures that site restoration is completed effectively, providing a clean, safe environment for future use.

Why IPS Flow Systems?

IPS Flow Systems is the leading supplier for nuclear decommissioning projects across the UK and Ireland, providing reliable support, rapid access to materials, and industry-leading expertise. Here’s why IPS Flow Systems is the preferred choice for the nuclear decommissioning sector:

• Vast Stock Availability: With one of the largest inventories in the industry, IPS Flow Systems ensures that decommissioning teams always have access to the materials they need, preventing costly delays.
• Next-Day Delivery: Our next-day delivery service guarantees that critical components are available exactly when needed, ensuring that projects stay on schedule and within budget.
• Industry Expertise: With over 30 years of experience in the nuclear industry, IPS Flow Systems provides expert guidance and support for the unique challenges of decommissioning.
• Commitment to Safety: Our products are fully compliant with the highest regulatory standards, ensuring safe operations at every stage of the decommissioning process.

Nuclear decommissioning is a highly technical, long-term process that requires expert planning, precision execution, and strict compliance with regulatory standards. IPS Flow Systems is proud to be a key partner in this vital industry, supporting every phase of the decommissioning process with technical expertise, reliable materials, and unparalleled service.

From planning and decontamination to dismantling, waste management, and site restoration, IPS Flow Systems provides the solutions needed to ensure that decommissioning projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on time.

Partner with IPS Flow Systems today, and let us support you through the complexities of nuclear decommissioning with confidence.