Session: 02-03 Modeling, Work Management and Data Analysis Software

Paper Number: 109985

109985 - Software-Supported Material Tracking in Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning and Its Role in Operational Process Management at Preussenelektra 

Decommissioning projects of nuclear power plants involve complex processes and huge material flows that need to be thoroughly planned, managed, tracked and documented. It will be highlighted how waste tracking and process management in decommissioning have been successfully combined in a software solution that works together with other systems in PreussenElektra’s software landscape.

It will be shown how PreussenElektra has successfully introduced a software solution that includes operational decommissioning planning, configurable pre-defined workflows, specialized process-oriented user interfaces, mobile devices in logistics and documentation, financial controlling, reporting, progress monitoring and comparison of actual and planned performance. The presentation will also share the lessons learned from this experience, such as the importance of careful planning, training, and maintenance of software solutions. Additionally, it will be emphasized that the software should be able to interact with existing systems and should be flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs of the project.

In detail, the process starts with an operational planning level, where the disassembly, material specific, clusters and masses are planned exactly. Using sample processing routes and looking at the utilization of each treatment station, we are able to manage the mass flow precisely.

Using QR code labels and system-generated transport lists, the logistician uses the mobile tablet-PC to book the transported waste package at the next station. The waste package then moves from station to station through the pre-defined treatment stations. At the treatment stations themselves, the complete treatment data is registered in the system, such as start and end date, treatment results and radiological values. It follows the entire process “from cradle to grave”, starting with dismantling, going through cutting, sorting, decontamination, pre-measurement and clearance measurement or conditioning for final storage.

Automatic data transfer of all registered information can be used by additional external evaluation tools, which can offer various other methods of monitoring and controlling of the process.

The software supplier and the customer work closely together to adapt the software solution to any new requirements as they arise.

The key benefits of this software solution will be made clear, including process optimization, improved efficiency and accuracy in tracking and managing waste and materials, and improved information for financial management and progress monitoring. The use of mobile devices in logistics and specialized user interfaces will also been shown to streamline and simplify the decommissioning process.

PreussenElektra GmbH is a German operator of nuclear power plants and currently has several ongoing decommissioning projects of nuclear power plants.

TÜV Rheinland Industrie Service GmbH has developed ReVK, a standard software solution for tracking radiological waste, and adapted and enhanced it to meet all the requirements of PreussenElektra's decommissioning processes.

Presenting Author: Stefan Osterlehner TÜV Rheinland Industrie Service GmbH

Presenting Author Biography: Since 2019: Project manager for software solutions in nuclear waste management at TÜV Rheinland Industrieservice GmbH
1992-2019: Software developer and project manager in the nuclear field at ISTec GmbH / TÜV Rheinland Institut für Sicherheitstechnologie GmbH