An initial appraisal of aspects of quality assurance in the conditioning of radioactive wastes

This Part II paper follows up the basic methodology on quality control and assurance measures set out in Part I of this study (AERE-R 11826). The main Sections deal with general features of process modelling and quality control firstly for homogeneous ILWs mixed in-drum with cement, and secondly for heterogeneous solid waste ILWs immobilised by in-drum grouting. For the latter class of wastes the stream examined was chosen to be difficult in terms of wide variability of form. The methods outlined for dealing with this variability appear to offer satisfactory quality assurance without demanding excessive amounts of individual-package treatment and monitoring. The scheme might best be first considered in terms of application to moderately heterogeneous solid waste streams such as fuel cladding and hulls. It is recommended that the type of process control modelling outlined in the major tables of the paper is incorporated in the comprehensive quality assurance plans for individual waste streams and that they embody the kind of detailed process-sensitivity data exemplified within. (author)