Processing of radioactive mineral residues by activity separation

The release of demolition waste from decommissioned nuclear plants (research reactors, nuclear power stations and facilities of the nuclear fuel cycle) has become an established practice. In terms of quantity, demolition waste is the most important residue arising from the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear plants. In the case of high-capacity reactors the total mass of the buildings for control and supervision purposes amounts to approx. 150,000 to 220,000 t. Fuel cycle facilities and larger research reactors can yield several ten thousands of tonnes. When decommissioned nuclear plants are dismantled the bulk of the arising waste consists of concrete structures and demolition waste qualifying for unconditional release. But there is also radioactive demolition waste which until now is stored for a later final disposal. This is extremely costly for the operators of such plants. (orig.)