Tritium immobilisation

The principal objective of this study is to survey and assess candidate solid materials for immobilisation of the tritium wastes from reprocessing plants. A complete immobilisation scheme must in most cases include: a) segregation and recycling of the tritiated plant streams; b) isotopic enrichment giving a further degree of concentration; c) immobilisation in a solid form from which tritium does not leak or leach out; d) storage or disposal. The chief candidate materials for incorporating tritium are: inorganic hydrates and dessicants, cement, metal hydrides and organic polymers. The properties of these candidate materials are reviewed and discussed