KA1.01/98B NPP Aktau - Plant radiological characterisation and monitoring

In the framework of the “Tacis Nuclear Safety Programme” it was decided to provide technical assistance and hardware for the radiological characterisation and monitoring of the Aktau NPP (BN-350, fast breeder). The project covered the following lots:

Supply of monitoring devices for measuring dose rates of personnel and contamination of equipment (Lot 1).
Supply of equipment for the radiological characterisation of buildings, equipment, systems and waste in view of the dismantling of the Aktau NPP (Lot 2).
The monitoring devices under Lot 1 were intended to enable each staff member to control the dose received for the work executed, any level of body contamination and any level of equipment contamination, which is intended for removal from one of the six zones of the Aktau NPP. The devices delivered under Lot 1 were different devices for measuring alpha-, beta- and gamma-radiation, mostly portable systems (portable radiation meters, dosimeters, etc.) with the remaining being fixed systems at entrance/exit doors of the six zones. The supply of monitoring devices also included the delivery of spare parts and consumables (batteries, filters, etc.). All the delivered devices had to meet common electrical and electromagnetic compatibility standards. The delivery of the devices also included packaging & transport, documentation (instruction and maintenance manuals) and training on the usage of the devices.

The equipment under Lot 2 was intended to allow the characterisation of radioactive liquid effluents (from washing, decontamination, etc.) and of gaseous effluents (stack gases), to allow the definition and quantification of the radioactive elements present and the level of activity and contamination of the equipment/systems and buildings intended for dismantling as part of the decommissioning of the Aktau NPP. The equipment under Lot 2 covered gamma-spectrometers, alpha-beta-counters, alpha-spectrometer, electroplating equipment, atomic absorption spectrometer, gamma-drum controller and all auxiliary tools and systems needed for the elaboration of output signals. In addition to the devices itself the delivery included standards, reagents, flasks, pH meter and small consumables (glass jars, pipettes, etc.). Standards, reagents and flasks are needed for the calibration of the devices and had to have certain chemical compositions (standards, reagents) or certain sizes (flasks). All the delivered devices had to meet common electrical and electromagnetic compatibility standards. The delivery of the devices also included packaging & transport, documentation (instruction and maintenance manuals), training on the usage and maintenance of the devices and transfer of know-how on the characterisation of radioactive effluents.

The tender was launched in March 2003 and the received offers were evaluated in May 2003. During the evaluation it turned out that the budget allocated to this project only allowed to contract Lot 1, but not both Lots. Thus Lot 2 (Supply of analysis equipment for radiological characterisation) was cancelled. The order for Lot 1 was awarded to the company Canberra Eurisys Benelux NV of Belgium and the contract became effective on 14th November 2003. The provisional acceptance certificate was awarded in July 2004 following the delivery of all the devices falling under Lot 1. The project ended on the 14th July 2005 (end date contract).