Problemi bezpeki atomnih elektrostancìj ì Čornobilâ, 2019
Based on a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the G7-countries, the European... more Based on a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the G7-countries, the European Commission and the Government of Ukraine on the Closure of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant", signed in 1995, joint international efforts were initiated to develop "a cost effective and environmentally sound approach to the shelter for Chernobyl Unit 4" and the Study "Chernobyl Unit 4: Short and Long Term Measures" was prepared in 1996 with a recommended course of actions. Based on the recommendations of the study the "Shelter Implementation Plan (SIP)" was prepared and its implementation started in 1998. After its soon expected successful completion, the options for the next steps need to be analysed and decided.
There are a number of IAEA Member States generating relatively small quantities of radioactive wa... more There are a number of IAEA Member States generating relatively small quantities of radioactive waste and/or disused sealed sources in application of nuclear techniques in medicine, industry and research and in nuclear research centres having small research reactors. At present many of these Member States do not have facilities for processing and storing their radioactive wastes; notably in those countries with small quantities of generated radioactive wastes. In other Member States the existing waste processing and storage facilities (WPSF) are in need of varying degrees of upgrading in order to address new waste streams, incorporate new waste processing technologies, or expand interim storage capacities. The IAEA has developed a modular design approach for a WPSF that is based on a variety of modules for different waste stream treatment and conditioning processes. The modular WPSF design is elaborated in a substantial Design Engineering Package that will be published by IAEA as a technical report.
Worldwide , more than 250,000 tonnes of irradiated graphite have arisen through commercial nuclea... more Worldwide , more than 250,000 tonnes of irradiated graphite have arisen through commercial nuclear-power operations and from military production reactors. Whilst most nations responsible for the generation of this material have in mind repository disposal alongside other radwaste, the lack of progress in this regard has led in some cases to difficulties where, for example, the site of an existing graphite-moderated reactor is required for re-utilisation. In any case, graphite as a radwaste stream has unique chemical and physical properties which may lend itself to more radical and innovative treatment and disposal options, including the recovery of useful isotopes and also recycling within the nuclear industry. Such aspects are important in making the case for future graphite-moderated reactor options (for example, High-Temperature Reactors planned for simultaneous power production and high-grade heat sources for such applications as hydrogen production for road fuel). A number of initiatives have taken place since the mid 1990s aimed at exploring such alternative strategies and, more recently, improving technology offers new options at all stages of the dismantling and disposal process. A new IAEA Collaborative Research Program aims to build upon the work already done and the knowledge achieved, in order to identify the risks and uncertainties associated with alternative options for graphite disposal, along with cost comparisons, thus enabling individual Member States to have the best-available information at their disposal to configure their own programs.
Planning for integrated nuclear waste management (INWM) entails consideration of all generated wa... more Planning for integrated nuclear waste management (INWM) entails consideration of all generated waste from energy generation, nuclear fuel cycle and institutional facilities as well as waste from decommissioning and remediation of nuclear facilities, legacy waste, and eventual accident waste and requires establishment of different planning scenarios as well as control milestones to allow for adequate flexibility to address inevitable changes. An early assessment of waste management needs from development and use of advanced reactors and innovative nuclear fuel cycles is required to aid design and operation of such facilities as well as to understand their impact to overall waste management planning. Major prerequisites for approach to planning and establishment of INWM plans are discussed briefly. It is pointed out that five most important challenges in establishing and implementing the INWM plan needs to be addressed: (i) inventory; (ii) time frame for an integrated plan; (iii) asse...
There are a number of IAEA Member States generating relatively small quantities of radioactive wa... more There are a number of IAEA Member States generating relatively small quantities of radioactive waste and/or disused sealed sources in application of nuclear techniques in medicine, industry and research and in nuclear research centres having small research reactors. At present many of these Member States do not have facilities for processing and storing their radioactive wastes; notably in those countries with small quantities of generated radioactive wastes. In other Member States the existing waste processing and storage facilities (WPSF) are in need of varying degrees of upgrading in order to address new waste streams, incorporate new waste processing technologies, or expand interim storage capacities. The IAEA has developed a modular design approach for a WPSF that is based on a variety of modules for different waste stream treatment and conditioning processes. The modular WPSF design is elaborated in a substantial Design Engineering Package that will be published by IAEA as a t...
ABSTRACTAn overview is given on research activities on cementitious materials for radioactive was... more ABSTRACTAn overview is given on research activities on cementitious materials for radioactive waste management systems based on the IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) held in 2007-2010. It has been joined by 26 research organizations from 22 countries which shared their research and practical activities on use of cementitious materials for various barrier purposes. The CRP has initially formulated the research topics considered within four specific streams: A) Conventional cementitious systems; B) Novel cementitious materials and technologies; C) Testing and waste acceptance criteria; and D) Modelling long term behaviour.The CRP has analysed both barrier functions and interactions envisaged between various components with focus on predisposal stage of waste management. Cementation processes have achieved a high degree of acceptance and many processes are now regarded as technically mature. A large body of information is currently available on proven waste conditioning technologies although novel approaches are continuing to be devised.Most of the existing technologies have been developed for conditioning of large amounts of operational radioactive waste from nuclear power plants and other nuclear fuel cycle facilities. However new waste streams including those resulting from legacy and decommissioning activities required improved material performance and technologies.The most important outcome of CRP was the exchange of information and research co-operation between different institutions and has contributed towards general enhancement of safety by improving waste management practices and their efficiency. The paper presents the most important results and trends revealed by CRP participants. The research contributions of participating organizations will be published as country contributions in a forthcoming IAEA technical publication.
The availability of qualified personnel is crucial to the licensing and efficient and safe operat... more The availability of qualified personnel is crucial to the licensing and efficient and safe operation of waste management facilities and for the improvement of the existing waste management practices. The countries with some degree of waste management activities ...
Judgment on the sustainable development of energy systems, including nuclear, should be based on ... more Judgment on the sustainable development of energy systems, including nuclear, should be based on the results of thorough, comprehensive, and unbiased assessment. To minimize the influence of human factors on assessment results, a systematic methodological approach for the evaluation of the sustainability of nuclear energy systems has been developed in the IAEA INPRO section based on the experience acquired in different countries. The methodology comprises several areas of a nuclear energy system (NES) assessment including the area of waste management. In this area it defines three major issues relevant to sustainability and the nine corresponding criteria to be used as assessment tools. Assessment of sustainability in the area of waste management is a part of the holistic system assessment to be performed to make reasonable judgments on sustainability.
Problems of nuclear power plants' safety and of Chornobyl, 2019
Based on a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the G7-countries, the European... more Based on a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the G7-countries, the European Commission and the Government of Ukraine on the Closure of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant", signed in 1995, joint international efforts were initiated to develop "a cost effective and environmentally sound approach to the shelter for Chernobyl Unit 4" and the Study "Chernobyl Unit 4: Short and Long Term Measures" was prepared in 1996 with a recommended course of actions. Based on the recommendations of the study the "Shelter Implementation Plan (SIP)" was prepared and its implementation started in 1998. After its soon expected successful completion, the options for the next steps need to be analysed and decided.
Cement-Based Materials for Nuclear Waste Storage, 2012
The IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on cementitious materials for radioactive waste manag... more The IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on cementitious materials for radioactive waste management involved many research organizations aiming to investigate the behaviour and performance of cementitious materials used in radioactive waste management system with various purposes and included waste packages, wasteforms and backfills as well as investigation of interactions and interdependencies of these individual elements during long-term storage and disposal. The IAEA CRP has facilitated the exchange of information and research co-operation in resolving similar problems between different institutions and contributed towards improving waste management practices, their efficiency and general enhancement of safety.
ABSTRACTAn overview is given of an International Atomic Energy Agency Coordinated Research Projec... more ABSTRACTAn overview is given of an International Atomic Energy Agency Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on the treatment of irradiated graphite (i-graphite) to meet acceptance criteria for waste disposal. Graphite is a unique radioactive waste stream, with some quarter-million metric tons worldwide eventually needing to be disposed of. The CRP has involved 24 organizations from 10 Member States. Innovative and conventional methods for i-graphite characterization, retrieval, treatment and conditioning technologies have been explored in the course of this work, and offer a range of options for competent authorities in individual Member States to deploy according to local requirements and regulatory conditions.
Management of radioactive waste relates to the category of hazardous activities. Hence the requir... more Management of radioactive waste relates to the category of hazardous activities. Hence the requirements to the professional level of managers and personnel working in this industry are very high. Education, training and examination of managers, operators and workers are important elements of assuring safe and efficient operation of radioactive waste management sites. The International Education Training Centre (IETC) at Moscow State Unitary Enterprise Scientific and Industrial Association "Radon" (SIA "Radon"), in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has developed expertise and provided training to waste management personnel for the last 10 years. The paper summarizes the current experience of the SIA "Radon" in the organisation and implementation of the IAEA sponsored training and others events and outlines some of strategic educational elements, which IETC will continue to pursue in the coming years.
Radioactive Waste Management and Contaminated Site Clean-Up, 2013
Abstract: Technical options for waste streams which arise from nuclear applications, research, po... more Abstract: Technical options for waste streams which arise from nuclear applications, research, power generation, nuclear fuel cycle activities and decommissioning of nuclear facilities as well as NORM-containing waste, are summarized. Since optimal selection of technical options is case specific to the waste management needs, they are not ranked. However, selection criteria for waste processing and disposal technologies are summarized and a systematic approach for selection of optimal solutions is proposed.
Judgment on the sustainable development of energy systems, including nuclear, should be based on ... more Judgment on the sustainable development of energy systems, including nuclear, should be based on the results of thorough, comprehensive, and unbiased assessment. To minimize the influence of human factors on assessment results, a systematic methodological approach for the evaluation of the sustainability of nuclear energy systems has been developed in the IAEA INPRO section based on the experience acquired in different countries. The methodology comprises several areas of a nuclear energy system (NES) assessment including the area of waste management. In this area it defines three major issues relevant to sustainability and the nine corresponding criteria to be used as assessment tools. Assessment of sustainability in the area of waste management is a part of the holistic system assessment to be performed to make reasonable judgments on sustainability.
Problemi bezpeki atomnih elektrostancìj ì Čornobilâ, 2019
Based on a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the G7-countries, the European... more Based on a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the G7-countries, the European Commission and the Government of Ukraine on the Closure of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant", signed in 1995, joint international efforts were initiated to develop "a cost effective and environmentally sound approach to the shelter for Chernobyl Unit 4" and the Study "Chernobyl Unit 4: Short and Long Term Measures" was prepared in 1996 with a recommended course of actions. Based on the recommendations of the study the "Shelter Implementation Plan (SIP)" was prepared and its implementation started in 1998. After its soon expected successful completion, the options for the next steps need to be analysed and decided.
There are a number of IAEA Member States generating relatively small quantities of radioactive wa... more There are a number of IAEA Member States generating relatively small quantities of radioactive waste and/or disused sealed sources in application of nuclear techniques in medicine, industry and research and in nuclear research centres having small research reactors. At present many of these Member States do not have facilities for processing and storing their radioactive wastes; notably in those countries with small quantities of generated radioactive wastes. In other Member States the existing waste processing and storage facilities (WPSF) are in need of varying degrees of upgrading in order to address new waste streams, incorporate new waste processing technologies, or expand interim storage capacities. The IAEA has developed a modular design approach for a WPSF that is based on a variety of modules for different waste stream treatment and conditioning processes. The modular WPSF design is elaborated in a substantial Design Engineering Package that will be published by IAEA as a technical report.
Worldwide , more than 250,000 tonnes of irradiated graphite have arisen through commercial nuclea... more Worldwide , more than 250,000 tonnes of irradiated graphite have arisen through commercial nuclear-power operations and from military production reactors. Whilst most nations responsible for the generation of this material have in mind repository disposal alongside other radwaste, the lack of progress in this regard has led in some cases to difficulties where, for example, the site of an existing graphite-moderated reactor is required for re-utilisation. In any case, graphite as a radwaste stream has unique chemical and physical properties which may lend itself to more radical and innovative treatment and disposal options, including the recovery of useful isotopes and also recycling within the nuclear industry. Such aspects are important in making the case for future graphite-moderated reactor options (for example, High-Temperature Reactors planned for simultaneous power production and high-grade heat sources for such applications as hydrogen production for road fuel). A number of initiatives have taken place since the mid 1990s aimed at exploring such alternative strategies and, more recently, improving technology offers new options at all stages of the dismantling and disposal process. A new IAEA Collaborative Research Program aims to build upon the work already done and the knowledge achieved, in order to identify the risks and uncertainties associated with alternative options for graphite disposal, along with cost comparisons, thus enabling individual Member States to have the best-available information at their disposal to configure their own programs.
Planning for integrated nuclear waste management (INWM) entails consideration of all generated wa... more Planning for integrated nuclear waste management (INWM) entails consideration of all generated waste from energy generation, nuclear fuel cycle and institutional facilities as well as waste from decommissioning and remediation of nuclear facilities, legacy waste, and eventual accident waste and requires establishment of different planning scenarios as well as control milestones to allow for adequate flexibility to address inevitable changes. An early assessment of waste management needs from development and use of advanced reactors and innovative nuclear fuel cycles is required to aid design and operation of such facilities as well as to understand their impact to overall waste management planning. Major prerequisites for approach to planning and establishment of INWM plans are discussed briefly. It is pointed out that five most important challenges in establishing and implementing the INWM plan needs to be addressed: (i) inventory; (ii) time frame for an integrated plan; (iii) asse...
There are a number of IAEA Member States generating relatively small quantities of radioactive wa... more There are a number of IAEA Member States generating relatively small quantities of radioactive waste and/or disused sealed sources in application of nuclear techniques in medicine, industry and research and in nuclear research centres having small research reactors. At present many of these Member States do not have facilities for processing and storing their radioactive wastes; notably in those countries with small quantities of generated radioactive wastes. In other Member States the existing waste processing and storage facilities (WPSF) are in need of varying degrees of upgrading in order to address new waste streams, incorporate new waste processing technologies, or expand interim storage capacities. The IAEA has developed a modular design approach for a WPSF that is based on a variety of modules for different waste stream treatment and conditioning processes. The modular WPSF design is elaborated in a substantial Design Engineering Package that will be published by IAEA as a t...
ABSTRACTAn overview is given on research activities on cementitious materials for radioactive was... more ABSTRACTAn overview is given on research activities on cementitious materials for radioactive waste management systems based on the IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) held in 2007-2010. It has been joined by 26 research organizations from 22 countries which shared their research and practical activities on use of cementitious materials for various barrier purposes. The CRP has initially formulated the research topics considered within four specific streams: A) Conventional cementitious systems; B) Novel cementitious materials and technologies; C) Testing and waste acceptance criteria; and D) Modelling long term behaviour.The CRP has analysed both barrier functions and interactions envisaged between various components with focus on predisposal stage of waste management. Cementation processes have achieved a high degree of acceptance and many processes are now regarded as technically mature. A large body of information is currently available on proven waste conditioning technologies although novel approaches are continuing to be devised.Most of the existing technologies have been developed for conditioning of large amounts of operational radioactive waste from nuclear power plants and other nuclear fuel cycle facilities. However new waste streams including those resulting from legacy and decommissioning activities required improved material performance and technologies.The most important outcome of CRP was the exchange of information and research co-operation between different institutions and has contributed towards general enhancement of safety by improving waste management practices and their efficiency. The paper presents the most important results and trends revealed by CRP participants. The research contributions of participating organizations will be published as country contributions in a forthcoming IAEA technical publication.
The availability of qualified personnel is crucial to the licensing and efficient and safe operat... more The availability of qualified personnel is crucial to the licensing and efficient and safe operation of waste management facilities and for the improvement of the existing waste management practices. The countries with some degree of waste management activities ...
Judgment on the sustainable development of energy systems, including nuclear, should be based on ... more Judgment on the sustainable development of energy systems, including nuclear, should be based on the results of thorough, comprehensive, and unbiased assessment. To minimize the influence of human factors on assessment results, a systematic methodological approach for the evaluation of the sustainability of nuclear energy systems has been developed in the IAEA INPRO section based on the experience acquired in different countries. The methodology comprises several areas of a nuclear energy system (NES) assessment including the area of waste management. In this area it defines three major issues relevant to sustainability and the nine corresponding criteria to be used as assessment tools. Assessment of sustainability in the area of waste management is a part of the holistic system assessment to be performed to make reasonable judgments on sustainability.
Problems of nuclear power plants' safety and of Chornobyl, 2019
Based on a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the G7-countries, the European... more Based on a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of the G7-countries, the European Commission and the Government of Ukraine on the Closure of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant", signed in 1995, joint international efforts were initiated to develop "a cost effective and environmentally sound approach to the shelter for Chernobyl Unit 4" and the Study "Chernobyl Unit 4: Short and Long Term Measures" was prepared in 1996 with a recommended course of actions. Based on the recommendations of the study the "Shelter Implementation Plan (SIP)" was prepared and its implementation started in 1998. After its soon expected successful completion, the options for the next steps need to be analysed and decided.
Cement-Based Materials for Nuclear Waste Storage, 2012
The IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on cementitious materials for radioactive waste manag... more The IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on cementitious materials for radioactive waste management involved many research organizations aiming to investigate the behaviour and performance of cementitious materials used in radioactive waste management system with various purposes and included waste packages, wasteforms and backfills as well as investigation of interactions and interdependencies of these individual elements during long-term storage and disposal. The IAEA CRP has facilitated the exchange of information and research co-operation in resolving similar problems between different institutions and contributed towards improving waste management practices, their efficiency and general enhancement of safety.
ABSTRACTAn overview is given of an International Atomic Energy Agency Coordinated Research Projec... more ABSTRACTAn overview is given of an International Atomic Energy Agency Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on the treatment of irradiated graphite (i-graphite) to meet acceptance criteria for waste disposal. Graphite is a unique radioactive waste stream, with some quarter-million metric tons worldwide eventually needing to be disposed of. The CRP has involved 24 organizations from 10 Member States. Innovative and conventional methods for i-graphite characterization, retrieval, treatment and conditioning technologies have been explored in the course of this work, and offer a range of options for competent authorities in individual Member States to deploy according to local requirements and regulatory conditions.
Management of radioactive waste relates to the category of hazardous activities. Hence the requir... more Management of radioactive waste relates to the category of hazardous activities. Hence the requirements to the professional level of managers and personnel working in this industry are very high. Education, training and examination of managers, operators and workers are important elements of assuring safe and efficient operation of radioactive waste management sites. The International Education Training Centre (IETC) at Moscow State Unitary Enterprise Scientific and Industrial Association "Radon" (SIA "Radon"), in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has developed expertise and provided training to waste management personnel for the last 10 years. The paper summarizes the current experience of the SIA "Radon" in the organisation and implementation of the IAEA sponsored training and others events and outlines some of strategic educational elements, which IETC will continue to pursue in the coming years.
Radioactive Waste Management and Contaminated Site Clean-Up, 2013
Abstract: Technical options for waste streams which arise from nuclear applications, research, po... more Abstract: Technical options for waste streams which arise from nuclear applications, research, power generation, nuclear fuel cycle activities and decommissioning of nuclear facilities as well as NORM-containing waste, are summarized. Since optimal selection of technical options is case specific to the waste management needs, they are not ranked. However, selection criteria for waste processing and disposal technologies are summarized and a systematic approach for selection of optimal solutions is proposed.
Judgment on the sustainable development of energy systems, including nuclear, should be based on ... more Judgment on the sustainable development of energy systems, including nuclear, should be based on the results of thorough, comprehensive, and unbiased assessment. To minimize the influence of human factors on assessment results, a systematic methodological approach for the evaluation of the sustainability of nuclear energy systems has been developed in the IAEA INPRO section based on the experience acquired in different countries. The methodology comprises several areas of a nuclear energy system (NES) assessment including the area of waste management. In this area it defines three major issues relevant to sustainability and the nine corresponding criteria to be used as assessment tools. Assessment of sustainability in the area of waste management is a part of the holistic system assessment to be performed to make reasonable judgments on sustainability.
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