Bituminization of Reactor Wastes: Development, Design and Demonstration

Abstract

Conversion of reactor wastes to a stable leach- resistant form suitable for disposal has been the objective of a waste management program underway at Chalk River. Incinerator ash, ion-exchange resin and concentrated aqueous waste will be immobilized in bitumen. The dry ash will be combined with molten bitumen in a horizontal mixer while the ion-exchange resin and the liquid slurry will be mixed with a bitumen emulsion in a wiped-film evaporator.

Laboratory evaluation of the processes and a demonstration of the wiped-film evaporator at the Douglas Point Nuclear Generating Station have provided details for the design of a Waste Treatment Centre at Chalk River. When the processes become operational in 1982, 200 drums (210 L each) of immobilized waste are expected each year; half will result from solidifying liquid and resin slurries and half from immobilizing incinerator ash.