Thermal treatment of plutonium contaminated materials (PCM) Waste - 15714

Considering the high over all costs of waste disposal and the growing requirements for improved quality of the final waste form, the benefits offered by thermal processing become very significant. Key drivers for the application of thermal treatment processes include the reduced volume, improved passive safety, and superior long term stability, of the vitrified waste form products. The project has demonstrated these benefits are derived from the oxidation of the metallic waste fraction, destruction of organic components, and evaporation of entrained water, combined with simultaneous immobilization of radioactive and chemo-toxic elements with in a glass or slag (i.e. a partially crystallised glass) material. Currently a fundamental lack of scientific knowledge and understanding significantly hinders the uptake of thermal treatment processes for the immobilization and disposal of plutonium contaminated material waste. The project will contribute to accelerating the acquisition of knowledge and experience required to support the NDA in deploying thermal technologies as a national asset for ILW treatment. (authors)