Radioactive iodine-129, a byproduct of nuclear fission in nuclear power plants, presents significant environmental and health risks due to its high solubility in water and volatility. Iodine-129, with its half-life of 1.57×1017 years, necessitates safe management and disposal. Therefore, safely capturing and managing I-129 during spent nuclear fuel reprocessing is of paramount importance. To address these challenges, various glass waste forms containing silver iodide have been developed, such as borosilicate, silver phosphate, silver vanadate, and silver tellurite glasses. These glasses effectively immobilize iodine, but the high cost of silver raises affordability concerns. This study introduces CuI·Cu2O·TeO2 glass waste forms for iodine immobilization, a novel approach. The cost-effectiveness of copper, in contrast to silver, makes it an attractive alternative. The CuI·Cu2O·TeO2 glass waste forms were synthesized with varying CuI content (x) in (1-x)(0.3Cu2O·0.7TeO2) glass matrices. Xray diffraction (XRD) confirmed amorphous structures, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) quantified composition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy provided insights into structural properties. Durability assessments using a 7-day product consistency test (PCT-A) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) revealed compliance with U.S. glass regulations, making CuI·Cu2O·TeO2 glasses a promising choice for iodine immobilization in radioactive waste.

Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) projects in South Korea starts with permanent shutdown of Kori unit 1 and Wolsung unit 1. It is important to establish a treatment and disposal method for radioactive waste generated during the decommissioning of the nuclear power plants. Large quantities of the wastes during decommissioning of NPP are generated in a short period of time and the wastes have various types and characteristics. For efficient decommissioning of NPP process, the radioactive waste is classified by types and each treatment method and packaging concept is presented respectively in this paper. Radioactive waste generated during decommissioning of NPP is classified into reactor vessel, reactor internals, metals, Dry Active Waste (DAW), concreate, spent fuel storage rack, spent resin and spent filter, etc., and the packaging concept for each type should be established to meet the waste acceptance criteria. Major waste acceptance criteria requirements include nuclides concentration, filling rate, free water, surface radiation does rate and weight. Radioactive waste containers can be classified into packaging containers, transport containers, and disposal containers. The packaging container is used to contain, transport, and store radioactive waste within the radiation control area, and a control number has been assigned as a radioactive waste drum after the final treatment has been completed. The transport container is used for transporting radioactive waste filled-containers from a radiation control area through an uncontrolled area. In this paper, the concept of disposal of dismantled radioactive waste and packaging methods were reviewed in comprehensive consideration of domestic radioactive waste transport and storage regulations, permanent disposal environment, and development status of large containers.

Waste containers for packaging, transportation and disposal of NPP (Nuclear Power Plant) decommissioning wastes are being developed. In this study, drop tests were conducted to prove the safety of containers for packaging of the wastes and to verify the reliability of the analysis results by comparing the test and analysis results. The drop height of the waste containers was considered to be 30 mm, which is the maximum lifting speed of a 50 tons crane in the waste treatment facility converted to the drop height. Drop orientation of the containers was considered for bottom-end on drop. The impact acceleration and strain data were obtained to verify the reliability of the analysis results. Before and after the drop tests, measurement of the dose rate and the radiographic testing for concrete wall, and measurement of the wall thickness of steel plate were conducted to evaluate the radiation shielding integrity. Also, measurement of bolt torque, and visual inspection were conducted to evaluate the loss or dispersion of radioactive contents. After the drop tests, the radiation dose rate on the container surface did not increase by more than 20%, and there was no crack in the concrete. In addition, the thickness of the steel plate did not change within the measurement error. Therefore, the radiation shielding integrity of the container was maintained. After the drop tests, the lid bolts were not damaged and there was no loss of pretension in the lid bolts. In addition, there was no loss or dispersion of the contents as a result of visual inspection. In order to prove the reliability of the drop analysis results, safety verifications were performed using the drop test results, and the appropriate conservatism for the analysis results and the validity of the analysis model were confirmed. Therefore, the structural integrity of the waste containers was maintained under the drop test conditions.

최근 국내에서는 월성 1호기 및 고리 1호기를 포함하여 운영 중인 원자력발전소가 노후화함에 따라 원전 해체에 대한 관심 이 많이 증대되고 있다. 이와 관련하여 월성 1호기의 계속운전이 최근 결정되었으며, 고리 1호기의 경우 2017년 6월 영구정 지하기로 결정되었다. 이에 본 논문에서는 상업용 원자로로서는 국내 최초로 해체가 예정된 고리 1호기에 대해, 원자로 압 력용기 자체의 해체로 인해 발생하는 방사성폐기물 최종 처분량을 원자로 압력용기 절단 방법 및 방사성폐기물 처분용기를 고려하여 산정하였다. 처분용기를 고려한 방사성폐기물 처분량을 산정한 결과 원자로 압력용기 몸통 부위보다는 반구 형태 의 헤드 부분을 작게 절단할수록 최종 처분량이 감소하는 것으로 예측되었다. 또한 경주 방폐장의 200 L 및 320 L 드럼 처분 용 처분용기의 경우 무게 제한으로 인해 적재효율이 좋지 못한 것으로 나타났다.

  As Gyoto Agreement, the Climate Change Agreement, has become effective, total weight restriction on waste has started in each country and environment issue becomes one of the most important global issues. Therefore, environmental logistics became import