ALPHA-CONTAMINATED SOLID WASTE SORTING AND CONDITIONING AT BELGOPROCESS (BELGIUM): LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE FIRST THREE YEARS OPERATION

摘要

The alpha-contaminated solid waste generated in Belgium results from past activities in the fuel cycle (R&D + Reprocessing and MOX fabrication pilot plants) and operation of BELGONUCLEAIRE's MOX fuel fabrication plant. After the main steps in the management of alpha-contaminated solid waste were established, BELGONUCLEAIRE1, with the support of BELGOPROCESS2 and ONDRAF/NIRAS3, started the design and construction of the T & C and interim-storage facilities for this alpha waste. The accumulated solid alpha radwaste containing a mixture of combustible and non-combustible material must be sorted and characterized. After sorting, both the accumulated and recently-generated alpha waste will be compacted and the pellets will be embedded in a cement matrix in a 400-l drum.