Processing radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plants

Some methods of processing and preparation for storage of liquid radioactive wastes from NPPs and nuclear fuel reprocessing plants are considered. Decontamination methods for gaseous wastes of the fuel cycle plants are described. It is noted that for NPP high-level radioactive wastes the vitrification process is developed and tested. The methods of preparation of glass-crystallic and other materials suitable for burial are under investigation. For medium-level wastes the bitumenization process is developed and the reprocessing methods using wastes from chemical manufactures and different inorganic binders are studied. At the same time a reliable and safe storage and burial of solidified wastes are searched for. Low-permeable parts of lithosphere permitting to localize wastes within the limits of the given region is of special interest. For NPP gaseous radioactive waste purification a radiochromatographic system of radioactive noble gas removal, iodine and aerosole filters are widely used. The conclusion is made that at present the bitumenization method, which is recommended for using at operating and designed NPPs, is the most developed one and makes the best showing. According to capital investments and annual operating costs waste processing by the bitumenization method and bitumen storage is the most effective one in comparison with storage of liquid radioactive concentrates in reservoirs