Methodology of Qualification of CCIM Vitrification Process Applied to the Decontamination Effluent of the La Hague UP2-400 Facility - 9142

This paper describes the methodology used to qualify a Cold Crucible Induction Melter (CCIM) process for the decontamination effluents from the UP2-400 facility (effluents coming from rinsing and decommissioning operation). This methodology consisted of five types of pilot-scale tests. The nominal and the sensitivity tests determined the operating parameters which guarantee that the industrial-scale glass has the same properties as those developed in the laboratory. The transient and degraded mode tests defined the operating parameters and the procedure for ensuring plant safety to preserve the process equipment and material. Finally, long-term testing demonstrated the viability of the operating parameters and the management of the transient and degraded modes. On completion of this qualification program for the decontamination effluents a request for approval of production of a new glass package with the CCIM vitrification process was submitted to the regulatory authority. The main results of the qualification tests are described in this paper here.