Research and Developmet on Low-level Radioactive Waste

Japan Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd. Has been conducting disposal projects of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) from nuclear power plants in Rokkasho-mura, Aomori Prefecture since 1992. Prior to the implementation of these waste disposal projects, RWMC conducted research and development (R&D) on waste conditioning technologies, waste packaging standards for disposal, waste inspection and confirmation technology, research on safety assessment. Currently, RWMC is conducting research on conditioning and disposal systems and technical standards for the disposal with focus on spent control rods and LLW with relatively high radioactivity generated from decommissioning of nuclear power plants.

● indicates currently active research

1.R&D on Engineering Technologies for LLW Disposal

・ Verification of construction technology of underground cavern type disposal facility
- Construction method of the facility
- Initial performance of the facility
- Behavior measurement of the facility during construction

● R&D on monitoring for performance confirmation of underground cavern type disposal facility
Conceptual diagram of underground cavern disposal facility

Construction test on backfilling of upper space by spraying bentonite-based material

CFull- scale simulation facility of underground cavern type disposal facility
From "Verification test on performance of underground cavern type disposal facility",
"Verification test on closing technology of underground cavern type disposal facility "

・Packaging of LLW in a large steel box container


2.Study on Criteria and Standards

· Method of confirmation of packed solidified waste for disposal and quality control method of waste packaging
· Clarification technique and clarification manual of packed solidified material
· Clearance survey and evaluation of clearance level
● Standardization of safety assessment method for disposal of low-level radioactive waste

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