Retrospective Analysis of Advancements in the Processing of Accumulated HLW Generated by PA Mayak’s Radiochemical Production Facilities

Abstract

The article overviews the research implemented at PA Mayak from 1986 to 2021 to develop a method enabling the processing of heterogeneous alkaline HLW. It presents relevant flow charts developed under this research, the reasoning behind them and their evolution stages. The study reflects the broad spectrum of research performed and the scaling-up experience associated with the implemented experiments. The study demonstrates the need for further optimization of the flow chart adopted in the designs of a new vitrification complex to reduce the volume of generated solid Class 1 radioactive waste forms and to increase the processing capacity.