• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.175-180
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• 2004

In order to vitrify the combustible dry active waste (DAW) generated from Korean Nuclear Power Plants, a glass formulation development based on waste composition was performed. A borosilicate glass, DG-2, was formulated to vitrify the DAW in an induction cold crucible melter (CCM). The processability, product performance, and volume reduction effect of the candidate glass were evaluated using a computer code and were measured experimentally in the laboratory and CCM. The glass viscosity and electrical conductivity as the process parameters were in the desired ranges. Start-up and maintaining glass melt of the candidate glass were favorable in the CCM. The product of the glass product such as chemical durability, phase stability, and density was satisfactory. The vitrification process using the candidate glass was also evaluated assuming that it was operated as economically as possible.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.173-183
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• 2024

Vitrification, one of the most promising solidification processes for various materials, has been applied to radioactive waste to improve its disposal stability and reduce its volume. Because the thermal decomposition of dry active waste (DAW) significantly reduces its volume, the volume reduction factor of DAW vitrification is high. The KHNP developed the optimal glass composition for the vitrification of DAW. Since vitrification offers a high-volume reduction ratio, it is expected that disposal costs could be greatly reduced by the use of such technology. The DG-2 glass composition was developed to vitrify DAW. During the maintenance of nuclear power plants, metals containing paper, clothes, and wood are generated. ZrO₂ and HfO₂ are generally considered to be network-formers in borosilicate-based glasses. In this study, a feasibility study of vitrification for DAW that contains metal particulates is conducted to understand the applicability of this process under various conditions. The physicochemical properties are characterized to assess the applicability of candidate glass compositions.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.355-364
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• 2001

In order to evaluate and finally optimize the vitrification condition for combustible dry active waste (DAW), dust and gas generation characteristics were investigated for PE, cellulose, and mixed waste Tests were conducted by varying the operation variables such as melter configuration, excess oxygen amount, and waste feeding rate. Results showed that dust generation characteristics were affected by the operation parameters and the melter＇s configuration is the dominant one. For all tested DAWs, dust generation was reduced by increasing the waste feeding rate and the excessive oxygen amount in the melter. Among waste types, dust amount was decreased by the order of mixed wastes, PE, and cellulose. Other parameters such as temperature variation and operation time have also affected the dust generation. The optimum condition for the DAW vitrification was determined as the melter＇s configuration equipped for minimizing the waste dispersion with 20 kg/h of waste feeding rate and 100% of excessive oxygen supply. CO gas concentration in the off-gas was immediately influenced by the combustion state in the melter, but showed similar trend as the dust generation. For the NOx production during the vitrification process, thermal NOx, which is generated from the Post Combustion Chamber (PCC), rather than fuel NOx was assumed to be dominant. The gas cleaning of efficiencies of the PCC, wet scrubber, and Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR) were found to be high enough to keep the concentration of pollutants (CO, NOx, SOx, HCI) in the stack below their relevant emission limits.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.218-228
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• 1997

Correlations between the amount of DAW (Dry Active Waste) generated from present Korean PWRs and their operating parameters were analyzed. As the result of multi-variable linear regressions, a model predicting the volume of DAW using the number of shutdowns ( $f_{FS}$ ) and total personnel exposure ( $P_{\varepsilon}$) was derived. Considering one standard error bound, the model could successfully simulate about 8575 of the real data. In order to predict the amount of DAW to be generated from a KNGR another model was derived by taking into account the additional volume reduction by supercompaction system. In addition, the volume of WAW (Wet Active Waste) to be generated from KNGR (Korean Next Generation Reactor) was calculated by considering conceptual design data and replacement effect of radwaste evaporator with selective ion exchangers. Finally, total volume of SRW (Solid Radioactive Waste) to be generated from KNGR was predicted by inserting design goal values of $f_{FS}$ and $P_{\varepsilon}$ into the model. The result showed that the expected amount of SRW to be generated from KNGR would be in the range of 33~44㎥. $y^{-1}$ . It was proved that the value would meet the operational target of KNGR proposed by KEPCO, that is, 50㎥. $y^{-1}$ .

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.281-299
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• 2017

The inventory management of radionuclides is essential for the safe management of disposal facilities. In this study, we compared the activity of dry active waste predicted using the generated waste data and that measured for the accepted waste in the disposal facility. For very low level waste, the measured activity was higher than the predicted activity for $^{137}CS$, $^{90}Sr$, $^{99}Tc$ and $^{129}I$. In low level waste, the predicted activity was higher than the measured activity for all radionuclides. We also evaluated the variation in the predicted quantity and total activity of each level of dry active waste through a sensitivity analysis on a scaling factor. This result will contribute to the construction of a Safety Case and safe operation of disposal facilities.

• Proceedings of the Korean Radioactive Waste Society Conference
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• 2005.06a
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• pp.523-530
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• 2005

In this study, maximum exposure rate at DAW(Dry Active Waste) drum surface which is satisfying regulation limit was calculated for conceptual design of IP(Industrial Package). DAW can be classified as combustible and non-combustible waste and the calculation was conducted for single and mixed radionuclide for each type of waste. In case of combustible waste that mixed radionuclide is uniformly distributed, the maximum exposure rates at drum surface were 3.60E-01, 8.85E-01 and 1.27E+01 mSv/hr for IP Type 1, 2-a and 2-b, respectively. and 3.60E-01, 8.85E-01, 1.27E+01 mSv/hr for single radionuclide(Co-60). In case of non-combustible waste that mixed radionuclide is uniformly distributed, the maximum exposure rates at drum surface were 7.14E-01, 1.83E+00, 2.69E+01 mSv/hr for IP Type 1, 2-a and 2-b, respectively. and 7.13E-01, 1.81E-01, 2.62E+01 mSv/hr for single radionuclide(Co-60). Through this study, the maximum amount of DAW can be transported by IP was suggested as maximum exposure rate at drum surface and the calculation for the other types of waste will be conducted.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.165-174
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• 2004

In order to simultaneously vitrify the ion exchange resin(IER) and combustible dry active waste(DAW) generated from Korean nuclear power plants, a vitrification pilot test was conducted using an induction cold crucible melter(CCM) . The energy necessary for startup of the glass using a Ti-ring was evaluated as about 290 kWh. The power supplied from a high frequency generator to melt the glass properly was ranged from 160 to 190 kW without any interruption. When the mixture of the IER and DAW was fed into the CCM, the concentration of CO was lowered up to 1/40 compared to feeding the IER solely. It may be caused by the DAW which can produce about 1.8 times higher heat compared to the IER. When the swelling phenomenon occurred in the glass melt, the concentration of $NO_2$, oxidizing gas, was higher than NO, reducing gas. Total feed amounts of the IER and DAW were 368 and 751 kg, respectively. And then, about 74 of volume reduction factor was achieved.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.576-581
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• 2002

In order to simultaneously vitrify the ton Exchange Resin(IER) and Dry Active Waste(DAW) generated from the Nuclear Power Plants, a vitrification pilot test was conducted using an induction cold crucible melter. The PCT result evaluating the chemical durability of the vitrified from showed that the final glass was more durable than the benchmark glass. Liquidus temperature for the final vitrified form was 1048 K(775$\^{C}$) fur heat treatment experiments. The value of the compressive strength for the vitrified form was ninety times higher than the regulation limit, 34 kg/㎠. The glasses on bottom, middle and top of the CCM were homogeneous with no secondary phase. The precipitation of the magnetic metal phase was able to be avoided by simultaneously fEeding of DAW with IER containing strongly reducing organics. Volume reduction factor of 74 was achieved through the vitrification Pilot test for mixed waste.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.411-417
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• 2023

During the operation of a nuclear power plant (NPP), the generation of radioactive waste, including dry active waste (DAW), concentrates, spent resin, and filters, mandates the implementation of appropriate disposal methods to adhere to Korea's waste acceptance criteria (WAC). In this context, this study investigates the potential use of polymer concrete (PC) as a high-integrity container (HIC) material for solidifying and packaging these waste materials. PC is a versatile composite material comprising binding polymers, aggregates, and additives, known for its exceptional strength and chemical stability. A comprehensive analysis of PC's long-term integrity was conducted in this study. First, its compressive strength, which is crucial for ensuring the structural stability of HICs over extended periods, was evaluated. Subsequently, the resilience of PC was tested under various stress conditions, including biological, radiological, thermal, and chemical stressors. The findings of this study indicate that PC exhibits remarkable long-term properties, demonstrating exceptional stability even when subjected to diverse stressors. The results therefore underscore the potential viability of PC as a reliable material for constructing high-integrity containers, thus contributing to the safe and sustainable management of radioactive waste in NPPs.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2004

In order to vitrify the W1 waste (ion-exchange resin(IER), zeolite, and dry active waste(DAW)) generated from Korean Nuclear Power Plants, a glass formulation development based on waste compositions and production rates was performed. A aluminoborosilicate glass, AG8W1, was formulated to vitrify the W1 waste in an induction cold crucible melter(CCM). The processability, product performance, and economics of the candidate glass were calculated using a computer code and were measured experimentally in the laboratory and CCM. The glass viscosity and electrical conductivity as the process parameters were in the desired ranges. Start-up and maintaining glass melt of the candidate glass were favorable in the CCM. The product quality of the glass such as chemical durability, phase stability, etc. was satisfactory. The vitrification process using the candidate glass was also evaluated to be operated as economically as possible.