Considerations on the preliminary safety assessment for operation of the melting facility for radioactive metal waste from nuclear facilities

This paper is to provide an approach to safety assessment method prior to operation of the melting facility for radioactive metal waste from nuclear facilities. Operational experiences of metal facilities have been reviewed. Several technologies for melting have been analyzed and evaluated. It is important to be aware of the risks involved with the evolutionary development of technologies for operation of a melting facility. It is important to consult experienced operators to truly understand operating experience, limitations, and past problems before planning to invest in a given technology for operation of a melting facility. The operational experience of melting facilities has been reviewed and several technologies relevant with melting have been compared. A risk analysis for operation of a melting facility has been reviewed. The features of operation and design for a melting facility have been considered. Considerations in view of cost and safety have been taken and suggested. In view of regulation, operators and workers who have experienced well should be suitable for operation of a melting facility. In view of safety, all potential events should be analyzed for the facility, health for workers and the public, as well as impact on the environment according to their probability and consequence. Assessments should be performed by experts. It is expected that the suggested considerations could enhance the acceptability and safety for operation of nuclear melting facilities. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This paper provides an approach to safety assessment prior to the operation of a melting facility for radioactive metal waste. It reviews operational experiences and analyzes various melting technologies. The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks associated with technological developments, consulting experienced operators, and conducting risk analysis. Suggestions for operation and design features, cost considerations, and safety are provided to enhance the acceptability and safety of nuclear melting facilities.