Conditioning options for Magnox fuel element debris

Fuel element debris is a major part of the intermediate level radioactive waste arising on most Magnox power stations. As part of the CEGB's Active Waste Project a number of options are being considered for the treatment of this debris. Three main options - immobilisation, dissolution and incineration - are described and the development work leading to design studies is presented in outline. Decision Analysis has been used to compare the options and a strategy has been outlined for the further development and eventual implementation of the most appropriate processing route for each waste accumulation. (author)