Plasma Torch Treatment of Low Level Waste

Abstract

Low and intermediate level radioactive waste is produced during nuclear power plant operation. This waste has to be processed and conditioned for final storage. To apply an appropriate treatment technology, a profound knowledge of the waste composition and properties is necessary. This paper first gives an overview of the waste characteristics of low and intermediate waste from nuclear power plant operations.

Plasma torch treatment of these wastes is an advanced technique for volume reduction by thermal treatment and is applicable to all kinds of the occurring waste. Different design variations of plasma furnaces are imaginable and few have been implemented as prototype scale plants.

Scenarios for application are based on the waste production in the nuclear power sector and the possible and expected throughput of a plasma plant. Plasma torch treatment is most economically applicable as a part of a "radwaste" treatment plant in scenarios where several nuclear power plants are located in the same area.