Decommission

To decommission means to officially take something, typically a facility, piece of equipment, or system, out of service. This process usually involves dismantling or dismantling parts of the object, removing it from operation, and rendering it safe. It's often done when a thing reaches the end of its useful life, becomes obsolete, poses a safety risk, or is no longer financially viable. Decommissioning is not a casual activity but involves a careful, planned process that varies depending on the specific item being retired, encompassing regulatory compliance, environmental considerations, and stakeholder involvement.

Decommission meaning with examples

• The nuclear power plant, after decades of operation, was scheduled to decommission in 2030. The process involved the removal of radioactive fuel, cleaning the reactor, and securing the site. It required years of planning and a significant financial investment to ensure public safety and environmental protection, while following guidelines set by regulatory bodies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• After decades of use, the air force base's oldest jet fighters were decommissioned. The aircraft were either sold, repurposed for museums, or dismantled for their valuable components. Engineers and maintenance crews worked together to ensure the aircraft met the criteria necessary before decommissioned, including the removal of classified equipment.
• The oil rig was decommissioned due to depleted reserves and rising maintenance costs. Workers had to safely remove all equipment and pipelines, and the structure was slated to be dismantled piece by piece. The process was complex and involved measures to prevent environmental damage from released hydrocarbons and other contaminants.
• Following the introduction of new technology, the older mainframe computer system was decommissioned by the company. All data was migrated to a new server, and the mainframe's components were either sold or recycled. It involved staff training to work on the new system and securely wiping data from old storage devices.
• The aging satellite, at the end of its service life, was carefully decommissioned. Ground crews performed a series of maneuvers to deplete the satellite's fuel, and then moved it into a graveyard orbit, away from operational satellites to prevent any potential collisions that might occur in the upper atmosphere.