No abstract

The operation and, particularly, the decommissioning of NPPs and radiochemical plants result in substantial arisings of radioactive metal waste (RAMW) having different activity levels (from 5×10 -4 to ≈ 40 Ci/kg).This paper reviews the specific features of the technology and equipment used to melt RAMW in electric arc and induction furnaces with ceramic or "cold" crucibles. The experimentally determined and calculated data are given on the level to which RAMW is decontaminated from the main radionuclides as well as on the distribution of the latter in the products of melting (ingot, slag, gaseous phase).Special attention is focused on the process and the facility for the induction-slag melting of RAMW in furnaces equipped with "cold" crucibles.The work described is under way at SSC RF VNIINM to master the technology of melting simulated high activity level Zr-alloy and stainless steel waste.

The operation and, particularly, the decommissioning of Nuclear Powere Plants (NPPs) and radiochemical plants generate substantial quantitites of radioactive metal waste (RAMW) with different activity levels (from 5×10 -4 to ≈ 40 Ci/kg).The long term storage of RAMW in specially designed storage facilities is cost ineffective. Those expenses can be reduced by RAMW decontamination and melting. This paper reviews the specific features of the technology, equipment, remote control and management of processes used to melt RAMW in electric arc and induction furnaces with ceramic or "cold" crucibles. The experimentally determined and calculated the properties of final products of melting (ingots and slags) are presented. Special attention is focused on the process, the facility and methods of control for the induction-slag melting of RAMW in furnaces equipped with "cold" crucibles.Work is described that is in progress at SSC RF VNIINM to master the technology of melting simulated high activity level Zr-alloy and stainless steel waste.