Vitrification in La Hague plant achievement

Research and development at the CEA (the French Atomic Energy Commission) about vitrification process of radioactive wastes have focused on two main points: the glass formulation to obtain the best physical, thermal and mechanical properties for the best homogeneity, stability and resistance to radiations and leaches, and the industrial process to obtain the best flexibility for the production of different homogeneous glasses and for the minimization of technological wastes. This has led to the establishment of glass specifications, agreed by the French authorities, independent commission of nuclear experts, and foreign customers, and to the construction of the R7 and T7 industrial facilities at La Hague (France) which started-up in 1989 and 1992, respectively. A description of the process units and of the quality controls are given. Various improvements have been achieved and have demonstrated the industrial mastery of vitrification of fission products. The process has proven to be flexible since fine particles from the dissolution step and alkaline effluents from the solvent regeneration steps have been incorporated to the glass matrix. (J.S.). 1 fig., 2 tabs