Expert Services by Qualified Industry Professionals

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Unrivalled expertise and experience

Kinectrics is uniquely positioned to meet the specialized needs of the nuclear industry. We have an internationally recognized reputation for excellence in scientific research and engineering. Kinectrics offers over 25 years of experience in providing nuclear waste management services.

Our clients include some of North America’s largest nuclear utilities.

Kinectrics' state-of-the-art laboratories are staffed by highly qualified professionals with comprehensive capabilities in the power generation and industrial sectors.

Capabilities in Radioactive Waste Management

• Sampling of Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste
• Characterization of Radioactive Waste
• Applications of Gamma Spectrometry
• Scaling Factor Development – Measurements Data Assessment and Modeling Predictions
• Assessment of Decommissioning Waste Characteristics
• Non-Destructive Examination of the Integrity of Waste Containers
• Development of Waste Forms
• Management of Spent Ion Exchange Resins
• Tritium and Carbon-14 Monitoring and Control
• Processing of Liquid Wastes
• Decontamination of Liquid Wastes
• Recovery of Carbon-14 from Ion Exchange Wastes by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
• Assessment and Monitoring of Dry Storage Containers for Used Fuel
• Consultation

Practical solutions

Kinectrics has the advanced capabilities to handle a wide range of projects including:

• Sampling and Characterization of Spent Ion Exchange Resins

Resins from storage containers and in-station storage tanks were sampled using modified grain probes. The sampled resins were physically, chemically, radiochemically, and microbiologically characterized. Results were correlated with characterization data for both headspace gases and free water associated with the sampled resins.

• Assessment of the Condition of Stored Spent Resin in Carbon Steel Containers

Spent resins are potentially corrosive to carbon steel. A rig equipped with ultrasonic transducers was used to assess the variation in wall thickness of stored spent resin containers, which had been in extended storage for up to 18 years. Both longitudinal and circumferential measurements were obtained.

• Development of the Dry Storage Container for Storing Used Fuel

Kinectrics was involved in several aspects of the development of a Dry Storage Container for used fuel. These included drop tests, finite element modeling, coatings assessment, decontamination, monitoring of leaks, and gamma spectrometry.

• Gas Generation within Stored Spent Resin Containers

Gas is generated within stored spent resin containers as a result of corrosion, radiolytic and biological processes. Kinectrics has developed an experimental capability to sample and analyze radioactive and hazardous constituents of the headspace gas. Models have been developed to predict gas generation rates.

• Position Paper on the Status of Containers for Used Nuclear Fuel

As part of a major initiative by The Nuclear Waste Organization for the management of used nuclear fuel, Kinectrics was commissioned to prepare a paper on the status of storage and transportation containers.

• Tritium Recovery Solutions

Kinectrics has developed a catalytic oxidation process to convert mixed liquid waste to carbon dioxide and water. This technology has proven to be highly effective at destroying hazardous labeled compounds. Kinectrics has the expertise to recover tritium or carbon-14 from the products of combustion, e.g. by electrolysis and hydrogen isotope separation technologies.

• Development of Scaling Factors

Scaling factors for difficult-to-measure radionuclides are being developed for low and intermediate level radioactive waste. Data for several radionuclides including various actinides, carbon-14, strontium-90, nickel-63, iron-55, chlorine-36 and, iodine-129 are being developed. Models have also been developed to predict scaling factors for iodine-129, technecium-99 and selenium-79.

• Support for Shipment of Liquid Radioactive Waste

Kinectrics routinely provides extensive analytical support and documentation for the shipment of liquid radioactive waste from generating stations to a final processing site. The wastes are characterized for both hazardous and radiochemical constituents, as well as other physical and chemical parameters.

• Processing of Radioactive Waste Oils

Radioactive waste oils may may contain elevated levels of both tritium and PCBs, limiting options for their disposal. Innovative methods were developed to de-tritiate the waste oils and significantly reduce their PCB content.

• Conditioning of Radioactive Waste

Kinectrics has performed extensive work on the conditioning of aqueous radioactive waste, including the development of a pilot plant for immobilizing the waste in water extendible polyester. Encapsulation of radioactive incinerator ash in various matrices was investigated leading to the development of a wet compaction process. Cementation has been investigated with emphasis on the retention of carbon-14.

For further information, contact:

Aamir Husain, 416.207.6000 x5729, aamir.husain@kinectrics.com