Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Hazardous liquid waste cementation reaches milestone

22nd November 2013

Photograph of Hazardous liquid waste cementation reaches milestone

The last batch of higher activity liquid waste produced during Dounreay’s Materials Test Reactor (MTR) research reactor reprocessing history was cemented into a drum on 7 November 2013.

It is an important milestone in the processing of the historic liquid waste created during the operation of Dounreay’s three reactors.

Between 1958 and 1966, 13,000 Materials Test Reactor (MTR) fuel elements were reprocessed at Dounreay, including fuel from other reactors in the UK and abroad.
The spent fuel was dissolved in acid and the re-usable fuel separated from the waste fission products, with the acidic liquor containing the waste, known as raffinate, being held in underground storage tanks in the neighbouring facility known as D1208.
The Dounreay Cement Plant (DCP) has been in operation since 1996 processing the MTR raffinate.

Batches of liquor were remotely transferred from the underground tanks in D1208 to DCP, where it was neutralised and mixed with cement powder inside 500-litre drums in a remote handling process, making it passively safe for long-term storage or disposal.
The result is nearly five thousand drums of solid waste, which will be stored above ground in accordance with the Scottish Government’s Highly Active Waste policy of on surface or near surface storage.

DSRL waste director Charlie McVay welcomed the achievement. “The D1208/DCP teams have done a great job in safely and ahead of schedule processing the MTR raffinate,” he said.

“The team’s innovative use of nitric acid to dissolve the solids and overcoming other operational issues is to be commended.

“The team is now working to make the necessary modifications to begin processing DFR raffinate next year.”

Senior project manager George Sinclair oversees the work at the two facilities.
“The completion of MTR raffinate immobilisation brings an end to an era of challenging and pioneering work at Dounreay,” he said.

“The team of people, both past and present, who have contributed to the success of the process plants are to be commended for their dedication and skill in operating the facilities in a safe and effective manner.”

The NDA’s director of programme for Dounreay, Nigel Lowe said: “The important thing about this achievement was the production of a consistent waste disposal product that meets with national and international quality standards given the complex nature of the radioactive wastes involved. It is another example of the leading work being carried out at Dounreay.”

DCP will now be prepared to deal with the DFR raffinate currently stored in underground tanks at D1208, which is expected to start being processed in March 2014.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Gad Develops Bespoke Benefits Modeller As Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Reforms Pension BenefitsThumbnail for article : Gad Develops Bespoke Benefits Modeller As Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Reforms Pension Benefits
GAD has built a pension benefit modeller to support the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority as it undertakes a pension reform programme.   The Government Actuary's Department (GAD) has supported the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) as it undertakes a pension reform programme.  
North Highlands Team Headed For International Robot ChallengeThumbnail for article : North Highlands Team Headed For International Robot Challenge
NRS Dounreay and socio economic partners hosted the second FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge North Highland Tournament in March with local schools taking part.   The North Highland tournament took place in March at ETEC on the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) North West and Hebrides Thurso Campus.  
Dounreay Power Station Faces Threat Of Strike ActionThumbnail for article : Dounreay Power Station Faces Threat Of Strike Action
Unite the union confirmed around 450 of its members employed by Magnox Limited based at Dounreay power station are being balloted for strike action in a pay dispute.   The ballot which is now open will close on 2 April.  
NDA Group Hosts First Ever Large-scale Graduate Recruitment EventThumbnail for article : NDA Group Hosts First Ever Large-scale Graduate Recruitment Event
This week, the NDA group hosted it's first ever large-scale graduate recruitment event in Manchester, with over 600 candidates in attendance.   The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group held its first ever large-scale graduate recruitment event in Manchester this week, bringing together more than 600 candidates as it looks to double the number of opportunities across its graduate schemes this year.  
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority - Draft Business Plan 2024 To 2027 For ConsultationThumbnail for article : Nuclear Decommissioning Authority - Draft Business Plan 2024 To 2027 For Consultation
The NDA Draft Business Plan sets out key activities and expected progress for all 17 of the NDA's nuclear sites over the next 3 years.  We want to hear from anyone who has a comment on any aspect of this document.  
Learn And Earn - Apprentice Recruitment Open - Nuclear Waste Services - Dounreay EtcThumbnail for article : Learn And Earn - Apprentice Recruitment Open - Nuclear Waste Services - Dounreay Etc
NRS is delighted to announce that we are recruiting over 30 level 2 - 6 engineering and business apprentices to deliver our decommissioning mission.   John Vickerman, Chief People Officer, commented: "NRS is an exciting place to be.  
Register Now For The Largest Nuclear Decommissioning Supply Chain Event In EuropeThumbnail for article : Register Now For The Largest Nuclear Decommissioning Supply Chain Event In Europe
Today, Monday 20 November, the NDA has opened registration for its tenth nuclear decommissioning supply chain event, which will be held at The International Centre in Telford on 27 June 2024.   Launched in 2011, the supply chain event has gone on to attract a total of around 10,000 visitors from more than 20 countries over the years, representing thousands of companies both large and small.  
Work Begins To Permanently Secure Low Level Nuclear Waste VaultsThumbnail for article : Work Begins To Permanently Secure Low Level Nuclear Waste Vaults
A key programme of work at the Low Level Waste Repository in Cumbria is making real progress.   The Repository, which is part of Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) and manages disposal of the UK's low level radioactive waste, has started key work on the final capping of historic trenches and vaults which are now full and ready for permanent closure.  
Science Fair Connecting Students To A Future In NuclearThumbnail for article : Science Fair Connecting Students To A Future In Nuclear
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) and Women in Nuclear (WiN UK) hosted an event for young people to promote and showcase career opportunities in the nuclear industry.   Around 150 students attended the first ever Nuclear Connection Science Fair in Oxford, hosted by NWS and Women in Nuclear (WiN UK) on 10 November 2023.  
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Mission Progress Report 2023Thumbnail for article : The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Mission Progress Report 2023
This report shows the progress being made against the NDA mission to decommission the UK's earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and cost effectively.   The NDA Mission Progress Report (MPR) demonstrates the progress being made across the NDA group since 2005, and how much work there is left to do over the next 120-plus years.