I. Donald – Waste Immobilization in Glass and Ceramic Based Hosts

Автор: I. Donald
Название книги: Waste Immobilization in Glass and Ceramic Based Hosts
Формат: PDF
Жанр: Экология
Страницы: 527
Качество: Изначально компьютерное, E-book

The safe storage in glass-based materials of both radioactive and non-radioactive hazardous wastes is covered in a single book, making it unique
Provides a comprehensive and timely reference source at this critical time in waste management, including an extensive and up-to-date bibliography in all areas outlined to waste conversion and related technologies, both radioactive and non-radioactive
Brings together all aspects of waste vitrification, draws comparisons between the different types of wastes and treatments, and outlines where lessons learnt in the radioactive waste field can be of benefit in the treatment of non-radioactive wastes

Over the last few years the problem of what to do with waste materials both radioactive
and, more recently, nonradioactive, has become an increasingly important environmental
and political issue.
In the case of radioactive wastes from reprocessed nuclear fuel and certain defence
operations, vitrifi cation has been the vanguard of past and current treatment options. More
recently, the threat of global warming and the need for low carbon energy sources has
brought nuclear issues back to the forefront of scientifi c, technical and public awareness,
with the building of new nuclear power plants, coupled with the longer term likelihood
of a future generation of advanced closed fuel cycle nuclear energy systems, the so – called
Generation IV systems (GenIV). As worldwide demand for uranium increases with these
new requirements, and stocks are depleted, fuel recycling, with the corresponding generation
of various categories of radioactive wastes, will become an ever more important
issue. Of serious concern at this time is the lack of specialists in areas relating to nuclear
power and particularly nuclear waste, and this book provides an up – to – date reference
source at this critical time, with the emphasis on waste immobilization. On the other hand,
it is becoming increasingly essential from an environmental perspective, as regulated
land – fi ll sites become full and/or more expensive, that more be done to address problems
associated with the ever increasing volume of nonradioactive hazardous wastes, until
recently treated with somewhat less respect than their radioactive counterparts. One solution
to this problem is to turn hazardous wastes into vitrifi ed or ceramic products where
the hazardous elements are chemically immobilized and made passively safe, and it is in
this area that certain practical lessons can be learnt from the nuclear industry with its long
history and experience of waste treatment and vitrifi cation technologies. An added advantage
and incentive in the case of nonradioactive wastes is that, rather than generating a
product that must be disposed of, treatment may actually turn hazardous wastes into useful
products with practical applications.
This book brings together all aspects of waste immobilization, draws comparisons
between the different types of wastes and treatments, and outlines where lessons learnt
in the radioactive waste fi eld can be of benefi t in the treatment of nonradioactive wastes.
These are areas very much of topical interest, rarely covered together despite the similarities
that can be drawn. A wide range of topics is covered, beginning with introductory
chapters which outline environmental aspects and provide information relating to generic
sources and categories of wastes, potential disposal options, and where lessons can be
learnt from nature and from certain incidents and accidents that have occurred from time
to time. In the following chapters, immobilization of high level waste and special categories
of intermediate level waste are covered in depth. Details of specifi c waste systems are provided, including the special categories of waste generated, for example, by the
pyrochemical reprocessing of Pu metal, together with surplus materials not until recently
considered as wastes, in addition to the more conventional wastes from spent fuel reprocessing
and defence operations. Vitrifi cation techniques, the types of glasses employed
or proposed as wasteforms, glass – ceramic based hosts, glass – encapsulated ceramic wasteforms,
and important ceramic phases are discussed. The characterization of radioactive
wasteforms, a key issue with important implications for assessing their very long – term
stability, is addressed. Nonradioactive hazardous and toxic wastes and wasteforms are
subsequently reviewed in depth. These wastes are numerous and diverse in nature, ranging
from municipal incinerator ashes to waste asbestos products, and currently create serious
environmental challenges. The infl uence of microbial activity on wasteform stability, both
radioactive and nonradioactive is also reviewed. This is an important topic which, to date,
has only received limited attention but which could have serious implications for the
long – term behaviour of wasteforms, particularly in repository and storage or disposal
environments. The fi nal chapter highlights comparisons between nonradioactive and hazardous
waste immobilization and suggests where lessons learnt by the nuclear industries
over many years may be usefully applied to the immobilization of nonradioactive hazardous
waste systems. Finally, an outlook for the future is offered, with particular reference
given to technological advances and the treatment of new generation wastestreams.
The book is particularly aimed at scientifi c and technical staff in the nuclear and waste
management industries in addition to universities and research organizations active in
these areas. It will also appeal to a wider audience with interests in glass or environmental
issues and will be of benefi t to anyone who requires background information on radioactive
issues connected with nuclear energy or defence processes, or hazardous waste
sources, properties and treatments. The provision of a comprehensive bibliography makes
this book an up – to – date reference source in the areas of both radioactive and nonradioactive
waste immobilization.
Ian Donald
September 2009