- Groundbreaking Underwater Laser-Cutting Technology: Developed by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), this innovative laser technology safely and precisely cuts through thick steel pressure vessels of nuclear reactors submerged in water, reducing the risk of radioactive contamination.
- Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: The laser can cut stainless steel over 100mm thick at depths of up to 10 meters, with speeds of up to 50mm per minute, and includes safety features like an anti-collision mechanism, ensuring a cleaner and safer decommissioning process for workers and the environment.
- Growing Demand for Nuclear Decommissioning Solutions: As many aging nuclear reactors worldwide approach decommissioning, this technology addresses the increasing need for safer, more efficient dismantling methods, particularly for reactors built in the 1970s and 1980s.
A South Korean research team at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), led by Principal Researcher Dr. In-Deok Park, has developed a novel and groundbreaking underwater laser-cutting technology that will aid in the safer dismantling of nuclear reactors. This innovative technique lowers the risk of radioactive contamination by using precise lasers to cut through thick steel pressure vessels—large containers that house nuclear fuel and coolant, submerged in water.
The thermal cutting laser can seamlessly cut stainless steel more than 100mm thick at underwater depths of up to 10 meters, making it a safer alternative to traditional mechanical cutting methods. Unlike traditional methods that rely on mechanical tools, this underwater thermal cutting laser mimics the actual conditions of nuclear reactor decommissioning, minimizing radiation exposure and making the dismantling process considerably cleaner and safer for both workers and the environment.
The laser also includes safety features within its system such as an anti-collision mechanism for the laser nozzle to protect itself against accidental damage under intense underwater conditions. Additionally, the innovation optimizes the cutting process, achieving speeds up to 50mm per minute, maximizing its efficiency.
In a press release about KIMM’s novel technique, Dr. Park states, “The underwater laser cutting technology developed is significant as it directly simulates the nuclear dismantlement environment, greatly minimizing secondary contamination during the dismantling process.”
This breakthrough research serves the growing need for decommissioning aging nuclear facilities. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, around 420 nuclear reactors are currently operational globally, with about 200 of these reactors anticipated to begin decommissioning by 2050.
As the nuclear energy industry advances with emerging new nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), many nations are looking to discontinue older reactors built in the 1970s and 1980s. The demand for safe nuclear decommissioning continues to grow, and KIMM’s innovative underwater laser technology provides a cleaner, more efficient approach to managing aging nuclear infrastructure.
