The mission is a continuation of activities performed during 2013 in relation to studying possibility of using GEOSIL geopolymer as binding material for RAW immobilization. This technology is successfully used for immobilization of ion-exchange resins and sludge at A-1 NPP and V-1 NPP (Bohunice, Slovakia).

Preliminary results of investigations conducted at ChNPP have confirmed possibility of using geopolymers in radioactive waste immobilization technology. At this, waste filling in GEOSIL matrix, while meeting the waste package acceptance criteria at the Specially Equipped Near-Surface Solid Waste Storage Facility (SENSSWSF), exceeds the waste amount in cement matrix specified by the technology of ChNPP Liquid Radioactive Waste Treatment Plant. This would enable to reduce amount of RAW packages being produced meeting the requirements of normative documentation applied in Ukraine, and IAEA recommendations on radioactive waste management.

To solve issues relating to the processing of filter perlite pulp and sludge accumulated within the site, the SSE ChNPP will proceed with finalization of immobilization recipes for liquid radioactive waste, and plans to approbate the developed recipes at specially created pilot facility.

Under the mission, the SSE ChNPP specialists and the IAEA experts will discuss the developed design of technical specification to create pilot facility for processing filter perlite pulp and sludge at SSE ChNPP and will provide their recommendations.