WO2013060326A1 - Container system for intermediate or final storage of radioactive waste and/or toxic waste material - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container system for intermediate or final storage of radioactive waste and/or toxic waste material and to a method for transport and for intermediate or final storage of radioactive waste and/or toxic waste material. The container system (3) comprises a first container (1) and a second container (2), wherein the first container (1) at least partially surrounds the second container (2), in such a way that both containers (1, 2) are at least partially nested in one another, wherein the second container (2) comprises a radioactive and/or toxic material and a space (4) in which filler (5) can be cast and hardened is provided between the first container (1) and the second container (2). Thus a container system for intermediate or final storage of radioactive waste and/or toxic waste material is provided which is suitable for isolating or shielding the radioactive waste and/or the toxic waste material and simultaneously for ensuring the long-term recovery or retrievability.

Description

 CONTAINER SYSTEM FOR INTERMEDIATE OR STORAGE OF

 RADIOACTIVE WASTE AND / OR POISON

The invention relates to a container system for the intermediate or final disposal of radioactive waste and / or toxic waste. In addition, the invention relates to a method for transport and for the intermediate or final disposal of radioactive waste and / or toxic waste.

DE 80 06 393 describes a double-walled shielding container for radioactive waste. Between the walls is a fillable cavity, which with

Radiation absorbing materials can be filled. These may be water, suitable solutions, concrete, bulk and other radiation-absorbing materials. The double wall is attached to a solid floor, which may also be designed as a double wall. To stabilize the container spacers between the walls are used. Furthermore, the gap can be divided by walls, so that the resulting chambers can be filled with different shielding material. Inside the container is the radioactive material in one

kept closed container.

EP 0 072 429 discloses a container for long-term storage of radioactive waste, which consists of a container body and a protective layer applied to the outer surface. The base layer is intended to protect the container from corrosion and mechanical damage, and to prevent the escape of fission products.

It is problematic to provide a corrosion protection in a container, wherein the container is also suitable to store radioactive materials and / or toxic waste. It is the object of the invention to provide a way to provide a container system for the intermediate or final disposal of radioactive waste and / or toxic waste, which is suitable to isolate or shield the radioactive waste and / or toxic waste and at the same time has a suitable corrosion protection and also the long-term recovery or retrieval granted. It is also an object of the present invention To provide a container system, which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and which can easily and safely fill the intermediate or final disposal of radioactive waste and / or toxic waste with a filler.

These objects are achieved by providing a container system for the temporary or permanent storage of radioactive waste and / or toxic waste according to a first aspect of the invention, the container system comprising a first container and a second container, wherein the first container at least partially the second Container surrounds, such that both containers are at least partially nested, wherein the second container comprises a radioactive and / or toxic material and between the first container and the second container, a gap is provided, can be poured into the filler and hardened. This provides the possibility of long-term salvage or retrievability with simultaneous high corrosion protection and insulation.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the filler comprises a material of resin, in particular a reactive resin with a reactant, amber or plastic, which is suitable to protect the second container from corrosion. The second

Container preferably comprises at least partially metal, in particular steel, and on its outside at least partially a lacquer layer is provided. The first container preferably comprises at least partially epoxy resin and / or glass fiber reinforced plastic. The container system is used for the intermediate or final disposal of radioactive waste or

Nuclear waste. Preferably, the intermediate or final disposal of highly radioactive end-of-waste with a special heat-resistant epoxy resin with a heat or

Dimensional stability of up to 120 ° C, in particular of up to 150 ° C as a filler ensured.

As the resin, for example, a liquid or liquefiable resin which can be used alone or in combination with a reactant (e.g., hardener or accelerator) without elimination of volatile components can be used as the resin

Curing polymerization or polyaddition (eg thermoset). For example, the resin may be a photoinitiation-curable acrylate when the polymerization is radically excited by UV or visible light. According to the invention resin is understood to mean any viscous material which is at least partially composed of polymeric materials. The resin may be a synthetic resin or a natural resin.

As the synthetic resin, for example, a phenol-formaldehyde resin (PF resin, bakelite) can be used. In this case, the polymerization can be carried out by polycondensation of formaldehyde and phenol.

In an alternative implementation, the resin may be an aminoplast, for example, urea-formaldehyde (UF resin) or melamine-formaldehyde resin (MF resin). Here, the polymerization by polycondensation of formaldehyde with urea, for example with the addition of hydrochloric acid, or melamine, take place.

The resin may also be a polyester resin (UP resin), ABS resin or an acrylonitrile, butadiene or styrene resin, which in terms of strength, impact resistance and

Surface hardness are preferred.

Preferably, however, the resin is an epoxy resin having a heat and dimensional stability up to a temperature of 120 ° C, in particular up to a temperature of 150 ° C. If such a resin is filled as a filler in the space (4) between the first container (1) and the second container (2), then highly radioactive materials can be stored in the container system, without this being affected by the heat action caused by the radioactivity is pulled. As such an epoxy resin may, inter alia, by the company Lange + Ritter GmbH under the

 Trademark "L 326" used epoxy resin can be used, which can cure in combination with the hardener "260 S".

In a preferred implementation, the resin may also be a vinyl ester resin that is dimensional and heat resistant up to a temperature of 180 ° C. Such a resin is particularly suitable as a filler if the container system for the storage or disposal of highly radioactive reactor fuel rods is to be used as radioactive waste. Other examples of resins which can be used as fillers in the present invention include urea resin, alkyd resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, phenol resin, polyester resin or unsaturated polyester resin (UP), polyurethane resin or polyamide resin.

In an alternative implementation can be used as a resin, a natural resin such as amber, which is available as a renewable raw material in (almost) unlimited amounts. Preferably, the resin can be approximated by the

Molecular formula CioHi ₆ 0+ (H ₂ S) are described. For Bernstein, the shelf life has been scientifically proven over longer periods, for example over more than 1 million years. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second container can be fixed by at least one spacer in relation to the first container. This ensures that forms a gap. Preferably, the spacer comprises the same material as the filler in the gap. Thus, a maximum corrosion protection and a maximum connection between filler and spacer are achieved. When using a spacer, the filling of the filler can effectively prevent the generation of air bubbles on the lower side of the second container. Overall, this allows the uniform and homogeneous filling with the filler.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first container completely surrounds the second container and the distance between the second container and the first container is approximately 1 cm in all directions. Preferably, a bottom plate and / or a cover plate of the first container is removable. To protect the inner second container from corrosion due to ingress of moisture, oxygen and / or salt is in

Gap between the two containers preferably poured and hardened as described above filler. According to further preferred embodiments of the invention, the container system has a lid and at least two threaded containers. Thus, the lid closure is optimized, which ensures especially in the disposal of highly radioactive waste for high insulation and thus safety. Preferably, the container system is configured as a barrel and is in the lid and the upper Tonnenteil a thread milled. Is a thread guide in the lid the upper

Provided barrel part, so resin can be pressed into this thread guide, which also contributes to the sealing of the container system. In addition, the top inside of the lid has a concave shape, so that when closing the barrel of resin between the

Tons outer wall and the inner lid wall is pressed. It is also preferred if the thread guide has vertical breaks, so that a better distribution of resin in the thread is made possible. In this case, the lid is firmly fixed after closing, so that reopening of the container system is difficult or impossible.

Preferably, the first container (1) of the container system on rounded edges, so that during storage of the container system in the repository possible changes in the external pressure conditions in the storage stock can be better counteracted. The container system can also be adjusted by the gel strengths to different deposits, such as granite, clay and salt deposits.

Preferably, the first container (1) of the container system comprises up to 120 ° C heat and dimensionally stable material, in particular epoxy resin with a heat and dimensional stability up to a temperature of at least 150 ° C or vinyl ester resin with a heat and dimensional stability up to a Temperature of at least 180 ° C, or consists in

Essentially of such material. If the first container (1) of the container system comprises such a material or consists essentially of such a material, then the container system is particularly suitable for the intermediate or final storage of

highly radioactive material, including highly radioactive fuel rods as radioactive waste.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first container (1) is designed such that it can be detached from the hardened intermediate material prior to intermediate or final storage and can be reused for the production of further container systems. In this case, the intermediate or final disposal of radioactive waste or toxic waste is particularly cost possible. According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is also achieved by a method for transport and for the intermediate or final storage of radioactive waste and / or toxic waste. The method comprises the steps of: a) transporting radioactive waste and / or toxic waste into two at least partially nested containers, wherein the first container at least partially surrounds the second container and a space is provided between the first container and the second container, b) Pouring a filler into the gap in the vacuum state, and c) curing the filler using a resin. This ensures a safe transport of radioactive waste and / or toxic waste. The term "curing the filler using a resin" has

According to the invention two meaning. First, it means that the filler may also be a non-resin, with the compound being via a resin. On the other hand, it means that the curing of the filler takes place to form a resin.

In order to modify specific properties of the resin (both for the production of the GRP container as well as for decomposition), for qualitative modification, fillers and / or thixotropic agents, such as quartz powder, aluminum hydroxides, koaline, ground glass fibers and basalt fibers, as well as amorphous silica used or ,

be mixed.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is also achieved by the use of a container system according to the first aspect of the invention for intermediate or

 Final disposal in the toxic waste bin or the nuclear waste bin. Preferably, C glass is used for the toxic waste bin or ECR glass for the nuclear waste bin, in particular contaminated nuclear waste is finally stored in a ton of epoxy resin in pressed form, the lid of the bin being bonded to the barrel at the flanks with resin and end sealed with coil laminate ,

Preferably, before the intermediate or final storage and after hardening of

Zwischenmaterials the first container (1) are removed without damage. In this case, only the hardened intermediate material with enclosed second container and the radioactive waste or toxic waste between stored or stored, while the first container for the production of further container systems (3) can be recycled.

The toxic or nuclear waste bin may also preferably be rescued for quality control or recovery after storage in a suitable reservoir. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to six preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a container system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a GRP drum according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a fiberglass manufactured by wet or hot pressing method according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 shows schematically the device for filling the container system with filler according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a GRP drum in which, in the winding process, laminate is applied for finish-sealing the drum according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 6 shows a GRP bucket when filled with nuclear waste according to a sixth

Embodiment of the invention.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, the container system 3 for the intermediate or final disposal of radioactive waste and toxic waste comprises a first container 1 and a second container 2 according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention. The first container 1 completely surrounds the second container 2, and the distance between the second container 2 and the first container 1 is 1 cm in all directions. Both containers 1, 2 are thus nested. The second container 2 comprises a radioactive material which is weak to medium radioactive. Between the first container 1 and the second container 2 is a

Interspace 4 provided in the filler 5 can be poured and hardened. Fig. 2 shows a GRP drum according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention. The lid 7 for the GRP bin is made together with the GRP bin. The inside of the lid has a concave shape at the top which has the function of pressing resin between the outside wall of the barrel and the inside wall of the lid when closing the barrel. The curves 8 increase the pressure resistance as in the case of the barrel.

Fig. 3 shows a GRP barrel 9 made by wet or hot pressing according to the third preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the materials used are epoxy resin and glass fiber cloth. At the bottom is glued from the outside

ground spacer 10 made of resin attached. The use of resin both as a spacer and as corrosion protection in the space between the two containers for the storage or disposal of radioactive waste is an idea of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention for filling the resin into the space 4. Fig. 4 shows a stainless steel lid 11 for vacuum bonding, with a fixed stainless steel refill bar 12 attached to the lid to the barrel bottom attached to the lid is. The resin 13 to be filled and the

Vacuum pump 14 can also be seen in Fig. 4. Next is a fine dust filter 15 can be seen in direct storage in the fiberglass bin.

Fig. 5 shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the GRP drum 16 is shown with a GRP lid 17. The space is filled with resin 18. Furthermore, a wound-applied laminate 19 having four to five layers is provided for end sealing of the barrel and lid, overlapping the laminate on both sides at a distance of about 15 cm. This container 20 is suitable for storing nuclear waste. Fig. 6 shows a GRP drum 21 according to the sixth preferred embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, in FIG. 6, an empty pipe 22 installed during nuclear waste can be seen, which can be dimensioned so that the filler rod fits in the vacuum cover. The stored nuclear waste 23 can also be seen in Fig. 6. The outer container may preferably be a shielding container made of a radioactive radiation shielding material having a low surface roughness. A bottom and top plate of the outer container is preferably removable. Between the two containers there is a gap, which may be empty during transport of the radioactive material. At the final deposit, the gap may be filled with corrosion resistant resin, such as amber. After curing of the resin, by removing the bottom and top plate of the outer container, the inner container with radioactive waste coated with a resin layer can be removed from the shield container. Preferably, the

Shielding containers are reused for cost reduction for further transports, while the corrosion protected inner container with radioactive waste in the

Final deposit can be stored. The special shape of the inner container of the two nested containers by dimension and size is particularly suitable for the intermediate or final disposal of radioactive waste, such as those caused by the drop of heavy metals on the container bottom.

Claims

claims 1. Container system (3) for the intermediate or final disposal of radioactive waste and / or toxic waste, comprising:  a first container (1) and a second container (2), wherein the first container (1) at least partially surrounds the second container (2), such that both containers (1, 2) are at least partially nested in one another,  wherein the second container (2) comprises a radioactive and / or toxic material and between the first container (1) and the second container (2) is provided a gap (4) in which filler (5) can be poured and hardened. 2. Container system according to claim 1, wherein the filler (5) comprises a material of resin, in particular a reactive resin with a reagent, amber or plastic, which is suitable to protect the second container (2) from corrosion. 3. Container system according to claim 2, wherein the filler (5) comprises amber. 4. Container system according to claim 2, wherein the filler (5) a photoinitiation curable acrylate, a phenol-formaldehyde resin, an aminoplast, a polyester, epoxy, Vinyl ester, ABS, acrylonitrile, butadiene or a styrene resin. 5. Container system according to claim 4, wherein the filler (5) comprises a heat-resistant epoxy resin having a heat or dimensional stability of up to 120 ° C, in particular of up to 150 ° C. 6. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second container (2) at least partially metal, in particular steel, comprises and on its outside at least partially a lacquer layer is provided. 7. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first container (1) at least partially comprises epoxy resin and / or glass-fiber reinforced plastic. 8. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second container (2) by at least one spacer (6) in relation to the first container (1) is fixable. A container system according to claim 8, wherein the spacer (6) comprises the same material as the filler (5) in the space (4). 10. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first container (1) the second container (2) completely surrounds and the distance between the second container (2) and the first container (1) allumläufig is about 1 cm. 11. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a bottom plate and / or a cover plate of the first container (1) is removable / are. 12. A method for the transport and storage or disposal of radioactive waste and / or toxic waste, comprising the steps of:  a) transporting radioactive waste and / or toxic waste into two at least partially nested containers (1, 2), wherein the first container (1) at least partially surrounds the second container (2) and between the first container (1) and the second Container (2) a space (4) is provided, b) pouring a filler (5) in the space (4) in the vacuum state, and c) curing of the filler (5) using a resin. 13. The method according to claim 12, additionally comprising the step: d) detaching the first container (1) from the cured filler before the intermediate or final disposal of the radioactive waste and / or toxic waste. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the detachment of the first container (1) takes place nondestructive, so that the first container (1) after the detachment of the cured filler in a method according to claim 12 can be reused. 15. Use of a container system (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for the intermediate or final disposal of radioactive waste and / or toxic waste in the nuclear waste bin or the toxic waste bin. 16. Use according to claim 15, wherein C-glass is used for the toxic waste bin or ECR glass for the nuclear waste bin, in particular contaminated nuclear waste is finally stored in a tonne of epoxy resin in pressed form, the lid of the barrel with the barrel on the flanks with Resin bonded and sealed with winding laminate.