Treatment and disposal of tritium containing waste at mound

Abstract

First generation fusion machines will burn the hydrogen isotopes deuterium and tritium as fuel. Tritium, which is radioactive, must be handled carefully and any byproducts must be disposed of as radioactive waste. Tritiated waste will fall into one of three categories: gaseous, liquid, or solid. Sources and expected quantities of tritiated waste that are likely to be generated by a fusion machine will be discussed. Strategies, options and processes for dealing with tritium containing wastes will also be presented. Final disposition of each category of tritium contaminated waste is governed by regulations and guidelines. These regulations and guidelines, and how they might apply to a fusion reactor facility, will be outlined.