Nuclear

Structure Vision is currently developing the world’s first 3D software tool for nuclear decommissioning, known as NuPlant^TM.

The NuPlant^TM software allows the user to visualise the various stages in the dismantling process for a complex decommissioning project. It uses Structure Vision’s unique expertise in the cutting and packing of objects to optimise the way in which the various components of the facility are packed for storage. In addition, the NuPlant^TM software has a comprehensive reporting system to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for documentation.

The NuPlant^TM technology is designed to address the needs of site licensing companies, decommissioning contractors, new build operators and reactor vendors by providing a detailed and accurate analysis of the decommissioning requirements of a complete nuclear facility.

NuPlant^TM provides the following benefits for decommissioning projects:

Minimise the volume of hazardous waste produced during decommissioning processes by optimising cutting and packing techniques
NuPlant can minimise the amount of cutting required for dismantling – this reduces project timescales/costs and minimises operator exposure in contaminated areas
NuPlant can help contractors to examine different cutting scenarios to determine the cost benefit of cutting and segregating parts of the plant into ILW, LLW and ‘free-release’ waste
NuPlant can provide an accurate assessment of the overall cost of a decommissioning project – this helps the decommissioning contractor to prepare reliable, credible bids for projects (increasing the prospects for a successful bid)
The NuPlant^TM simulator can be used for training purposes to enable contractors to conduct a ‘virtual walkthrough’ of a facility in a safe, uncontaminated environment in order to identify hazards, contamination levels, cutting procedures and other operational challenges before entering the facility
NuPlant^TM can reduce the risk of project overrun by modelling each of the stages in the decommissioning process and anticipating any potential problems

NuPlant^TM can also provide significant benefits for new build projects:

NuPlant^TM can provide an accurate estimate of the lifetime financial liability of a new nuclear facility
NuPlant^TM can be used to produce a baseline decommissioning plan which can take into account any subsequent plant changes
NuPlant^TM can support accurate assessments of accruals required for future decommissioning costs

Structure Vision was awarded an Exceptional Grant for R&D from the North West Development Agency to develop the NuPlant^TM software for the nuclear industry and received the Rushlight Award for Nuclear Energy in 2008.