Managing Irradiated Graphite Waste Final Report of a Coordinated Research Project

Management of irradiated graphite waste emerges as a global priority for nations overseeing nuclear materials.

Graphite has been used as a moderator and reflector of neutrons in more than 100 nuclear power plants and in many research and plutonium-production reactors, in quantities ranging from a few kilograms to more than 3,000 tonnes, depending on the design. Many of the older reactors have now been shut down, with more approaching the end of their operating lives, and radioactive irradiated graphite have now accumulated worldwide. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of managing irradiated graphite waste provided by the members of The International Project on Irradiated Graphite Processing Approaches (GRAPA) network. This publication is intended for representatives of Member States with a programme involving the management of irradiated graphite, as well as non-governmental or international organizations that represent such programmes regionally or worldwide.