Orex based {open_quotes}point of generation{close_quotes} low-level radioactive waste reduction program
- Terran Technologies, Inc., Duluth, GA (United States)
Nuclear power facilities, both commercial and government operated, generate material called Dry Active Waste (DAW). DAW is a by-product of maintenance and operation of the power systems which contain radioactive materials. DAW can be any material contaminated with radioactive particles as long as it is not a fluid, typically: paper, cardboard, wood, plastics, cloth, and any other solid which is contaminated and determined to be dry. DAW is generated when any material is exposed to loose radioactive particles and subsequently becomes contaminated. In the United States, once a material is contaminated it must be treated as radioactive waste and disposed of in accordance with the requirements of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Problems facing all commercial and non-commercial nuclear facilities are escalating costs of processing DAW and volumetric reduction of the DAW generated. Currently, approximately 85% of all DAW generated at a typical facility is comprised of anti-contamination clothing and protective barrier materials. A typical 800 megawatt power station will generate between 6,000 to 10,000 cubic feet of DAW annually. Facilities that generate low-level radioactive waste need to dramatically reduce their waste volumes. This curtailment is required for several reasons: (1). The number of radioactive waste repositories now accepting new waste is limited. (2). The current cost of burial at an operating dump site is significant. Costs can be as high as $4,000 for a single 55 gallon drum. (3). The cost of burial is constantly increasing. (4). Onsite storage of low-level radioactive waste is costly and results in a burial fee at plant decommissioning. In order to address this issue, the industry must look to the application of {open_quotes}point of generation{close_quotes} technologies.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst. (EPRI), Palo Alto, CA (United States); Williams (Paul) and Associates, Medina, OH (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 229871
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-TR-105569; CONF-950718-; TRN: 96:002003-0061
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Electric Power Research Institute low-level waste conference, Orlando, FL (United States), 10-12 Jul 1995; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of 1995 EPRI international low-level waste conference. Proceedings; PB: 600 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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