Rosatom specialists have developed a plant for processing radioactive liquid sodium, which will simplify the decommissioning of fast neutron reactors. The technology has already been tested and can be applied at facilities in Russia and Kazakhstan.
Scientists from the Physics and Energy Institute (PEI) of Rosatom, commissioned by the TVEL Fuel Company, created a pilot plant “Mineral 100/150”. It converts liquid sodium coolant into a solid mineral-like product suitable for safe disposal.
The technology is based on the solid-phase oxidation method and does not require complex processes – the entire cycle takes one stage. This eliminates gas emissions and also reduces the risk of explosions and fires.
The new development is planned to be used during the decommissioning of the BOR-60, BN-600 and BN-800 reactors at the Beloyarsk NPP. In addition, the technology can be applied in Kazakhstan to recycle sodium from the shutdown BN-350 reactor.
According to Eduard Nikitin, director for decommissioning of nuclear facilities at TVEL, the installation will make it possible to convert 680 cubic meters of sodium into a safe state in 3-4 years without the construction of additional storage facilities.
IPPE General Director Andrey Lebezov noted that work on the project was carried out from 2021 to 2024. In the near future, the technology can be scaled up for other objects.
TVEL, as an industry integrator, coordinates work on radioactive waste management and decommissioning of nuclear reactors. The company is also involved in the rehabilitation of contaminated areas.
It was previously reported that by 2028, it is planned to build a storage facility for solid radioactive waste at the Beloyarsk NPP.
Rosatom’s new technology is an important step in the development of safe disposal of liquid sodium. It will not only simplify the process of decommissioning reactors, but can also become part of international projects.
Source: neftegaz.ru
