Modernization of the ARAK radioactive waste treatment plant for LLW incineration

The existing ARAK waste treatment facility at Siemens' Service Center in Karlsruhe, Germany, comprising an incineration plant as well as an ash compaction system, is to be upgraded in order to fulfill the new environmental protection regulations stipulated by the German Clean Air Act ('TA-Luft'). This means a substantial reduction in toxic pollutant emissions. Modifications and modernization essentially comprise up-grading the flue-gas cleaning system, which to date has consisted of three dry filter stages only, and installing a new incinerator in order to increase plant throughput from 200 to 500 Mg/year. Furthermore, Siemens plans to install waste feed and ash handling systems which are partially remote-controlled. In view of the changes recommended by the German Ministry for the Environment and Reactor Safety (BMU) with regard to the responsibility for operation of nuclear waste facilities in Germany, Siemens has sold the ARAK facility to the German Nuclear Service Company (GNS), a subsidiary of the German utilities. (author) 1 fig., 3 tabs., 1 ref