Demonstrated Operation of Chlorine Contained Waste Incineration System For Transuranic Contaminated Wastes

Plutonium-contaminated solid wastes including combustible, incombustible and chlorine contained waste have been generated during Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel fabrication by Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). Incinerations of chlorinated wastes cause the problems related to corrosion of the equipments and dust loading in the vent exhaust system. The JAEA has designed and manufactured a new type incineration system for chlorine contained wastes and combustible wastes based on past experience gained by the operation of the Plutonium contaminated Waste Treatment Facility (PWTF) to solve similar problems. Moreover, equipments should be air-tight to prevent t contamination in work environment. The incineration system has been operating since June 2002. Plutonium contaminated solid wastes treated so far amount to 230 m3 (36.7 ton). The volume reduction factor was approximately 45 (weight reduction factor is approximately 12). The incineration system has successfully operated without contamination of the work environment maintaining its air-tightness. As a result of long term operation, no significant corrosion damage of the system could be observed. (authors)