Sponsored Article Image

A message from Curtiss-Wright

Overcoming the challenge of obsolete pressure transmitters in aging nuclear power plants

Learn More

Decontamination and Decommissioning

Hanford looks inside sealed nuclear reactors using modern technology

August 28, 2025, 12:04PMNuclear News
Lidar technology creates detailed imaging by scanning the interior structure of cocooned reactors at the Hanford Site, supporting future monitoring and safety planning. (Image: DOE)

A new imaging technology is being used on decommissioned reactors at the Department of Energy's Hanford Site in Washington state, revealing a detailed look inside the sealed enclosures.

The work: Crews from the DOE Office of Environmental Management's Hanford Field Office (HFO) contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) recently completed 10-year internal inspections of the safe storage enclosures for six cocooned reactors, as part of the DOE's Long-Term Stewardship Program.

"These inspections are critical to ensuring the cocooned reactors continue to function as designed," said Tashina Jasso, acting director with the HFO’s Site Stewardship Division. “The inspections are part of our commitment to reducing risk and preserving infrastructure for long term management and safe disposal.”

The inspections required careful planning and collaboration among engineers and safety specialists. Unlike the yearly checks that focus on the exterior of the enclosures using drones, these inspections explored the interior of the structures.

A key feature was the use of lidar technology, which created 3D models of the storage enclosures. This advanced tool provided a detailed picture of conditions and helped identify potential issues.

"Lidar technology has been a game-changer in how we assess these structures," said Deanna Breckon, project manager with HMIS Long-Term Stewardship. "It allows us to see things we couldn't before and ensures we are taking the right steps to maintain safety."

Tags:
hanfordhanford mission integration solutionsinspectionslidarretired reactors
Share:
LinkedInTwitterFacebookEmail
Sponsored Article Image

A message from Goodway

Dry Ice Blasting: A Game-Changer for Safe Cleaning and Decontamination in Nuclear Power Plants

Learn More

Related Articles