Vitrification experience and projects in France

Research on the vitrification of concentrated fission product solutions has been conducted in France for over a quarter of a century. This work has resulted in the formulation of a series of borosilicate glasses applicable to the high-level wastes produced at the Marcoule and La Hague reprocessing plants. The properties of these nuclear glasses permit interim storage and future long-term disposal under safe conditions. A continuous vitrification process has also been developed and implemented on an industrial scale at Marcoule since 1978; a larger facility will begin operation at La Hague in late 1986