The Strategy

Although former and current commercial reactors vary in design (Magnox, AGR, RBMK and V/HTR), irradiation load and duration of operation, there are some strong commonalities that can be addressed in an integrated and cohesive manner. Identifying the constraints for final disposal are key to the strategy as not all Member States have the same disposal authorisations or classifications. Nevertheless the approach, i.e. methodology to achieve this final end point can be consistent. Deriving a consistent approach requires the key stages of i-graphite management to be identified and key considerations addressed. By definition i-graphite management is intractably linked to decommissioning of the reactor and therefore both engineering and science need a balanced approach.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrograph of MAGNOX graphite stucture with flller partilcles

This will be achieved by considering the information currently available such as graphite properties / characteristics and information / data that are needed to make quantifiable assessments. Treatment options for reducing the impact of i-graphite on a repository by the selected extraction of certain radionuclides, e.g. 14C and 36Cl will be assessed both in the laboratory and using criteria design


last change: 06.12.2012 | | Print