Abstract

International Perspectives on Glass Waste Form Development for Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste

International Perspectives on Glass Waste Form Development for Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste

John McCloy* 1,2, M. Chris Dixon Wilkins 1, Jonathan Evarts 1,2, John Bussey 1, Aya Azeddioui 1, Paul A. Bingham 3, Kazuyoshi Uruga 4, Damien Perret 5, Elise Regnier 5, Isabelle Giboire 5, Sophie Schuller 5

1 Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
2 Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
3 Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
4 Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, Yokosuka, Japan
5 CEA/DES/ISEC/DPME, Montpellier University, Marcoule, France

The global energy transition to low-carbon energy sources will require a significant contribution of nuclear energy to achieve NetZero goals. Low (LLW) and intermediate (ILW) level wastes are created as a result of various phases in the nuclear fuel cycle for power generation, as well as from nuclear accidents, legacy weapons production, and contaminated site decommissioning. In this review, we will summarize recent developments, state-of-the-art glass formulations, and thermal treatment process development for low and intermediate level radioactive waste vitrification from programs in Europe, Asia, and the USA. Throughout, we will discuss the selection of glass over other possible waste forms and any special processing considerations due to the nature of the waste. The character of the wastes – such as slurries, Advanced Liquid Processing System-Multi Radionuclides Removal from Fukushima, mixed technological waste, waste coming from dismantling of the reprocessing facilities, site decommissioning, etc. – and the technology needed to vitrify it – such as in-can melting, PIVIC-Incineration / In-Can Vitrification Process, GeoMelt and plasma treatment – are summarized. Glass properties and microstructural aspects – such as inclusion of crystals or metallic phases – are compared and contrasted to give an overview of the versatility of packaging matrices, such as homogeneous glasses, composites, and crystalline matrices. Volume and heterogeneity of the waste, as well as radionuclide and low silicate solubility components, factor into the selection of a given waste form, processing route, and technology. Case studies include examples from the US, UK, France, Japan, Korea, and China.