Process for the immobilisation of radioactive sludge

摘要

The invention provides a process for the immobilisation of radioactive sludge in a cement matrix, which process comprises:

(a) feeding a plurality of empty container drums into a sludge feed area;

(b) feeding metered quantities of radioactive sludge into the drums from an overhead sludge receipt tank equipped with a variable speed agitator;

(c) while stirring the contents of the drums, feeding dry additives into the drums from an overhead feed system, said dry additives being suitable, when cured, for forming a cement composition;

(d) conveying the drums to a first curing area;

(e) storing the drums in the first curing area while curing of the cement composition takes place;

(f) removing surface water, if present, from the surface of the cured cement composition;

(g) applying a capping grout to the surface of the cured cement composition;

(h) conveying the drums to a second curing area;

(i) storing the drums in the second curing area while curing of the capping grout takes place; and

(j) applying lids to the drums.