Experience on The Commercial Operation of Ulchin Vitrification Facility

Since 1994, the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) has developed a vitrification process whereby a cold crucible induction melter (CCIM) is used to treat the combustible wastes generated from nuclear power plants. The commercialization project was initiated in September 2002 based on the results from R and D projects. The design and construction of the Ulchin Vitrification Facility (UVF) were finished in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Prior to commercial operation, commissioning tests including equipment function checkouts were carried out to ensure that all objectives meet the performance criteria, operational safety, and stability requirements of the facility. Based on the successful results of commissioning tests, KHNP obtained an operational license from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) in 2009. In the same year, KHNP commenced the commercial operation of the UVF for combustible Dry Active Waste (DAW) and Low Activity Ion Exchange Resin (LAIER). The throughput of the UVF is 20 kg/h (Max. 25 kg/h). In the operation, the concentrations of hazardous off-gases such as CO, HCl, NOx, and SOx were well below the emission limits. The stability of vitrified form, the Volume Reduction Factor (VRF), the chemical durability of vitrified wastes forms, and the performance of Cold Crucible Induction Melter (CCIM) and the off-gas treatment system (OGTS) were assessed