VERFAHREN UND ANLAGE ZUR MANIPULATION VON RADIOAKTIVEN ABFAELLEN

摘要

A method of handling radioactive waste in processing it for engineered storage consists of converting it into the form of vitrified or calcined solid blocks or lumps. These are then embedded in a metal matrix for transference to the engineered storage. A hot cell is used onl for the prodn. of the solid vitrified or calcined blocks, these are then discharged from the hot cell into a shielded storage vessel, temporarily connected to the cell through a lock. In the shielded storage vessel, designed to be virtually indestructible to modern standards, the lumps are then embedded in molten metal, which cools there to form the matrix. The only equipment required inside the hot cell is that for processing the waste into the form of solid blocks. The stringent engineering design requirements imposed upon the shielded storage vesseles make them eminently suitable as casting vessels in which the molten metal can be poured to form the solid matrix.