Characterization of low-level radwaste volume reduction systems

The Electric Power Research Institute is sponsoring a study to develop a long range assessment of low-level radwaste (LLW) volume reduction (VR) options for nuclear power plants for scenarios accounting for evolving regulations, transportation requirements, and disposal facility conditions. Burns and Roe, Inc. is participating in this work with the characterization of advanced volume reduction systems in sufficient detail to permit utilities to evaluate representative processing alternatives. Equipment of the following general types were considered: compactor, incinerator, fluid bed dryer and incinerator, evaporator crystallizer, and evaporator extruder. Information was first developed to represent LLW generated for compactible trash and for liquid and slurry type radwaste streams from LWRs. Performance of the reference VR systems for the waste streams was estimated, and capital and operating costs were estimated for representative facilities that incorporate the reference advanced VR technologies