Innovative solutions for waste packages
Support services for the development of "Proof Of Concept" focused on waste packages
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Nuclear waste producers must design treatments and packaging adapted to each of their waste families.
Some have a proven solution, the performance and acceptability of which are nationally or even internationally recognized.
For others, due to the specificity of the project (small quantities of waste, specific physical and chemical nature...), proven solutions are scarce or inexistent.
Innovative solutions, either already nuclearized or adapted from conventional industry are sometimes foreseen, but without launching a long and expensive R&D program, it is difficult for a producer to estimate their viability in the short term and for a limited investment.
Orano is deploying proven a tool that is faster and less expensive than traditional R&D programs: Proofs Of Concept (POC).
A POC allows to determine very quickly whether a principle (idea, vision) is viable. The results are measurable, and allow decision-making based on clear criteria. It allows you to validate whether the idea works, without requiring a heavy investment and it...
- … Is performance oriented thanks to the developed tools and a well-defined methodology
- … Tests in practice without investing in a complete prototype
- … Optimizes the cost and time of product / service development
SUBJECT IDENTIFICATION: Triggered by needs of a specific project (e.g.: legacy waste)
STATE OF THE ART: Feed-back of past experiences and technological watch on ongoing developments
SCREEENING: Learn-fast approach by simple testing
STRATEGY: Analyze opportunities and timing for the developments
ACTION PLAN: Define the POC to confirm screening results and define tests to investigate if the solution complies with waste acceptance criteria (storage, transport, disposal)The Orano Decommissioning and Waste Strategic Planning Department (WSPD) reports to Orano General Management.
It is responsible for the strategic project management of all projects related to End-of-Cycle Operations in order to ensure compliance with costs on completion, deadlines and performance in terms of safety, quality, environment and operational excellence.
As such, WSPD operates a portfolio of POCs allowing it to rationalize the potential avenues for each waste treatment or waste package project.
Some of them have enabled the Orano group to quickly set up an innovative strategy for the management of specific waste, such as
- Radioactive sludge in drum dried
- Ion exchange resins particular conditionning
- Very quick insurance of the solution reliability
- Obtain strong stakeholder support
- Identify a first level of risk
- Determine a budget and a tangible device
- Speed up the decision for a low investment
- Abandon non-viable ideas as soon as possible
- Start heavier programs only on one reliable solution