Woodhead Publishing Handbook of Advanced Radioactive Waste Conditioning Technologies (Woodhead Publishing Series in Energy)

Radioactive wastes are generated from a wide range of sources presenting a variety of challenges in dealing with a diverse set of radionuclides of varying concentrations. Conditioning technologies are essential for the encapsulation and immobilisation of these radioactive wastes, forming the initial engineered barrier required for their transportation, storage and disposal. The need to ensure the long term performance of radioactive waste forms is a key driver in the development of advanced conditioning technologies. This book provides a comprehensive and systematic reference on the various options available and as well as those under development for the treatment and immobilisation of radioactive wastes. Key Features: provides a comprehensive and systematic reference on the various options available and under development for the treatment and immobilisation of radioactive wastes; explores radioactive waste characterisation and selection of conditioning technologies including the development of advanced materials for radioactive waste conditioning. Contents: Radioactive waste characterization. Part 1 Radioactive waste treatment processes and conditioning technologies: Compaction processes; Incineration and plasma processes; Application of inorganic cements; Calcination and vitrification processes; Historical development of glass and ceramic waste forms for high level radioactive wastes; Decommissioning of nuclear facilities and environmental remediation. Part 2 Advanced materials and technologies for the immobilisation of radioactive wastes: Geopolymers; Glass matrices; Ceramic matrices; Development of waste packages: French experience; Development and use of metal containers. Part 3 Long-term performance assessment and knowledge management techniques: Failure mechanisms of nuclear waste forms; Long-term performance models; Knowledge management techniques.