Overview of Kinectrics’ Expertise and Experience in Characterization of Low and Intermediate Level Waste (L&ILW)

Abstract

Kinectrics has over two decades of experience in the physio-chemical and radiological characterization of Low and Intermediate Level Waste (L&ILW) generated from the operation and refurbishment of nuclear reactors owned by Ontario Power Generation (OPG). This characterization is required to develop an inventory and to support the safety case, as well as licencing, of planned disposal facilities for OPG’s L&ILW. The typical waste matrices characterized include reactor artefacts, non-processible, compactable, incinerable, ash, assorted resin, filters, and sludge. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of the various characterization work undertaken by Kinectrics over the years, and further elaborate on some recent activities pertaining to the characterization of a select subset of L&ILW streams such as pressure tubes, calandria tubesheet, feeder pipes, bulk non-processible, active liquid waste, etc.