Processing of low- and intermediate-level liquid radioactive wastes by petroleum bitumens

The technologies for processing the low- and intermediate-level liquid radioactive wastes are shortly reviewed. The physical and chemical properties of bitumens are discussed from the point of view of waste-solidification. A new technology for bitumenization was developed and the results are presented. The mixing of the bitumen and the waste is achieved by a nitrogen flow.The essential point of the technology is the foaming of the water content of the waste on the bitumen surface. A continuously working apparatus was developed, and the results with different bitumens are discussed. The first steps of the construction of an industrial waste processing system for the Paks Nuclear Power Plant are described. (R.J.)