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Management of radioactive and hazardous waste

Proper conditioning is key to converting radioactive and hazardous waste into a stable chemical state and limiting its volume in order to save storage space which is no longer so readily available. It is possible to transfer waste into a chemically stable state by means of appropriate conditioning and thus safely isolate it from the environment. The volume reduction also conserves the scarce storage capacities and reduces resource consumption for the intermediate storage and repository.

Management of radioactive waste
Radioactive waste is generated both during operation and the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear power plants and nuclear facilities.
It is possible to transfer waste into a chemically stable state by means of appropriate conditioning and thus safely isolate it from the environment. The volume reduction also conserves the scarce storage capacities and reduces resource consumption for the intermediate storage and repository. Our tailored solutions for waste problems rank among the world leading technologies for the treatment of radioactive waste. Our services range from concepts and feasibility studies to the development, procurement and supply of plants for treating radioactive waste as well as building complete waste treatment centres
Solid Waste+
Solid waste is produced during operation and also during decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities. Reducing the volume and binding the radioactivity is vital for the safe and cost-effective storage of waste. For the purpose of optimising volume reduction, residual material for the appropriate processing procedures is initially sorted manually or by remote control. We provide proven and innovative technologies for all areas from sorting to processing solid waste.

Our solutions:
- Decontamination
  - High pressure water blasting
  - Abrasive dry blasting
  - (Electro) chemical decontamination
- Thermal processes
  - Pyrolysis
  - Incineration
  - Waste gas purification system
- Compaction
  - Filter Press
  - High Force Compactor
Liquid Waste+
Liquid waste is generated both during operation and the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities. Reducing the volume and binding the radioactivity is vital for the cost-effective and safe storage of waste. To this end, radioactive waste is initially compressed as much as possible and, in subsequent processing procedures, treated and packaged so as to be suitable for storage in final repository. We provide proven and innovative technologies for all areas of processing liquid waste.

Our solutions:
- Concentration
  - Vapour recompression evaporators
  - Natural circulation evaporator
  - Double tube evaporator
- Filtration
  - Reverse osmosis
  - Biological processes
- Solidification
  - NUKEM Conical Mixer
  - In-drum cementation
  - Grouting
Measurement systems+
Measurement systems are used to determine characteristic parameters such as burn-up or residual activity. Thanks to our long-standing experience in the areas of fuel element handling, treatment of radioactive waste as well as decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear facilities, we have developed various equipment for these purposes. These systems cover the full range of monitoring tasks within the nuclear fuel cycle, from radiation protection to radiological waste characterisation.

Our solutions for:
- Waste packages
  - Drum Measurement System (DMS)
  - Container Measurement System (CMS)
  - Free release measuring facilities for packed waste (MCS)
  - Tracking
- Fissile material
  - Fuel Assembly Monitoring System (FAMOS)
  - Fissile Element Monitoring System (FEMOS)
  - Active neutron measurement (CAMOS)
- Bulk material
  - Gamma monitoring system (RAYMOS)
  - Free release measuring facility for loose waste
Storage+
Radioactive waste is generated both during operation and the decommissioning and dismantling of nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. This waste must be intermediately stored or disposed of safely. National and international laws and regulations as well as local conditions, place extensive requirements on the planning and approval of storage facilities for low, intermediate and high level radioactive waste. Our team can draw on a broad range of disciplines such as safety technology, measurement technology, process and machine technology and has the required know-how. We have successfully carried out national and international projects for design and construction of such storage facilities.

We offer:
- Studies and concepts for the selection of options
- Design of the systems engineering of intermediate storage facilities and repositories
- Production and supply of e.g. facilities such as remote-controlled handling and transport devices as well as monitoring systems
- Compiling documents for the approval in accordance with national (Radiological Protection Ordinance StrlSchV and Atomic Energy Act, AtG) and international regulations,
- Construction of intermediate storage facilities and repositories including test operation and commissioning.
The concept of storage, from design to the operation, is based on the guarantee of safe enclosure, the retention of radioactive substances as well as the necessary shielding of ionising radiation.

Management of hazardous waste
Oil and gas extraction facilities, as well as refineries generate various types of hazardous waste, which require specialist handling and treatment, in order to be compliant with ever-increasing industry regulations.

Operators are faced with problems such as drill cuttings, drilling fluids, naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), as well as hazardous waste issues. The challenge is to transfer these wastes to a stable condition, as well as reducing the volume, for safe, cost-effective disposal or storage.

With more than 50 years’ experience in hazardous waste management, we are well aware of the situation faced by the oil & gas industry and can bring all of our nuclear knowledge and experience to benefit drilling operators and refineries. NUKEM has an impressive catalogue of successful projects ranging from concepts and feasibility studies through to design, procurement and delivery of individual treatment systems as well as complete treatment centres. Based on this experience, our in-house engineering team is well used to integrating appropriate technologies into fit-for-purpose solutions, for the benefit of our global customers.
Service portfolio+
- Pre-treatment such as Screening, Dewatering, Drying
- Filtration / Centrifuging
- Solidification, Encapsulation
- Shredding or Compaction
- Waste Water Treatment
- Chemical Physical Treatment
- Incineration
- Thermal Desorption
- Drum Handling and Cleaning
In addition, we can also offer customised solutions in the areas of Handling Equipment, Electrical, Control and Instrumentation (EC&I), as well as Landfill Class I & II.

Management of radioactive and hazardous waste

Solid Waste+

Our solutions:

Liquid Waste+

Our solutions:

Measurement systems+

Our solutions for:

Storage+

We offer:

Service portfolio+