0
0 The mere mention of “nuclear waste” conjures up images of green radioactive gloop pouring into rivers and causing devastation and sickness.
What Is Nuclear Waste?
In simple terms, nuclear waste is the by-product of weapon production, nuclear reactors, nuclear fuel processing, research laboratories and medical facilities. These all use nuclear/radioactive substances in some way. Perhaps the most controversial and well-known type of waste is that which is produced by nuclear reactors.
What Happens in Reactors?
Ceramic plugs/pellets containing enriched uranium are placed in tubes, which are made into rectangular bundles. These are then immersed in water inside the reactor. This causes the uranium atoms to split, and the neutrons are absorbed by another atom. This triggers a series of reactions. As the atoms split, they give off significant energy. When most of the original uranium has been used, the fuel is regarded as ‘spent’.
The amount of waste produced is physically quite small and much lower than burning coal or gas will produce. However, nuclear waste is highly radioactive – especially when it first comes out of the reactor.
RAICo
RAICo is the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration. Based in the UK, this alliance consists of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the University of Manchester, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Sellafield Ltd. It /raico.org is focused on how to utilise AI, robotics and remote solutions in the nuclear decommissioning process – with the aim of reducing the risk to human staff/operators.
How Is Nuclear Waste Disposed Of?
The most common ways of dealing with nuclear waste are dry cask storage, which is above ground, and deep geological storage, which is below ground. Deep boreholes are also now used.
There is also an increased move to ‘recycle’ nuclear waste, which is actually 90% uranium and can be used as fuel. France does this by using the “good” waste as fuel and immobilising the remaining waste in vitrified borosilicate glass.
Average Rating