Waste Management:

Waste Volume Reduction - Solid Waste

C . W A S T E M A N A G E M E N T

15. WASTE VOLUME REDUCTION - SOLID WASTE

INTRODUCTION

Solid waste management plants in India are equipped with facilities for segregation, repacking, compaction, incineration and
embedment of radiation sources. Compaction provides economic benefit in terms of lower volumes for disposal of non-incinerable
waste. The present emphasis is on design of super compactors ( > 1000 te) with a view to achieve higher volume reduction
factors and minimize exposure to personnel.

Nuclear Fuel Cycle BARC HIGHLIGHTS 99

Waste Management:
Waste Volume Reduction - Solid Waste

15. WASTE VOLUME REDUCTION SOLID WASTES
Radioactive solid waste is generated during various processes
and operations. These compactable solid wastes include air
filters and other materials like mops, clothing, papers, plastics
etc. The compactable waste and air filters contribute to nearly
50% of the total solid waste. Except filters, other wastes are
placed in a standard 200 litre drum. Compaction technique
leads to safe disposal of lower volumes of waste.
pelletization of radioactive metallic waste drums has been
developed indigenously. This remotely-operated compactor
is for handling Cat III & IV solid metallic wastes in shielded
facility. The charging of feed drums with subsequent handling
of the product pellets is done remotely ensuring adequate
containment and ventilation. Safety interlocks have been
provided for protection against overpressure, over travel and
collision during operations. Remote operations ensure total
containment of displaced air / liquids during pelletization.
The system includes built-in product ejection systems with
PLC-based controls and diagnostic features.

Based on the operational experience of this compactor, a

supercompactor of 2000 ton capacity is being engineered
addressing compaction of highly irradiated components like
zircaloy hulls, coolant tubes, glove boxes and other solid
wastes (metallic) generated during decommissioning of
various nuclear facilities.

Drum / Filter Pelletizor Trombay

15.1 PELLETISATION FOR COMPACTABLE SOLID

WASTE

A hydraulic compactor of 200 tonne capacity has been

developed and deployed along with the requisite material
handling and PLC-based control system. The waste is
compacted along with the metallic drum and reduction in
volume of 4-5 times is achieved.

The final pelletized product is achieved employing three-stage

compaction. This ensures safe and control release of
contaminated entrapped air & water. Pelletisation of filters
and other waste have not only resulted in the saving of
disposal modules, but also major reduction of release of dust
associated with otherwise uncompacted filter.

On an average 1500 drums and 1200 filters are compacted

Metallic Waste Compactor
annually.

15.2 METALLIC WASTE COMPACTOR

A metallic waste compactor of 1000-ton capacity capable of

100 BARC HIGHLIGHTS Nuclear Fuel Cycle