Abstract
The Brazilian repository is being planned to be a near-surface one. In Brazil the low and intermediate level radioactive wastes are immobilized using cement and bitumen for Angra 1 and Angra 2 NPP, respectively. The major problems due to the disposal of bituminized wastes in repositories are swelling of the waste products and their degradation in the long term. To accommodate the swelling of the bituminized wastes, the drums are filled up to 70 - 90% of their volume, which reduces the structural repository stability and the disposal availability. Countries, which use bitumen in the solidification of NPP's radioactive waste and have near-surface repositories, need to immobilize this bituminized waste within other drums containing cement pastes or mortars to dispose them. This study aims to evaluate the properties of cement pastes and mortars to be used in the encapsulation of bituminized wastes. The formulations of two pastes and two mortars were selected for the pilot scale tests. The laboratory and pilot scales results were very similar, indicating that any of these formulations could be used. However the better formulation will be chosen after the leaching test results, because it is an essential parameter in the long-term repository performance.
Highlights
In Brazil, there are currently two nuclear power plants with PWR type in operation, located in Itaorna, Rio de Janeiro: Angra 1, Angra 2 and Angra 3 under construction
Slovakia radioactive waste are incorporated into bitumen and this mixture is stored in 200L drums coated with zinc, deposited in containers and transported to the surface Mochovce repository
This study aims to look for solutions to dispose the bituminized waste products in the repository, making them compatible with the acceptance criteria of cemented waste products
Summary
In Brazil, there are currently two nuclear power plants with PWR type in operation, located in Itaorna, Rio de Janeiro: Angra 1, Angra 2 and Angra 3 under construction. In the Brazilian Nuclear Program, it was predicted that construction of, at least, four nuclear power plants in the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil, until 2030, to meet the increasing use of nuclear power to generate electricity [1, 2]. With this growth and the increase of the use Slovakia radioactive waste are incorporated into bitumen and this mixture is stored in 200L drums coated with zinc (galvanizing), deposited in containers and transported to the surface Mochovce repository. Other countries such as France and Belgium have opted for bituminized waste disposal on Deep geological repository, minimizing the risks associated with these wastes [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
