In the field of nuclear energy technology, an independent innovation achievement that lasted for 18 years marks a major breakthrough in China's high-level radioactive waste treatment technology. China National Nuclear Corporation announced yesterday that the cold crucible vitrification technology developed by its China Institute of Atomic Energy has achieved complete success after 90 days of continuous operation tests. The success of this technology not only represents a leap forward in the safe use of nuclear energy in China, but also contributes Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to the sustainable development of global nuclear energy.
The history of technological breakthroughs
Since 2006, the China Institute of Atomic Energy has started the research of cold crucible vitrification technology. The project team started from scratch and innovated independently, overcoming the difficulties of complex system, difficult device development, and high safety factor requirements. After three key stages of principle research, key technology research, and engineering equipment technology research, it has successively made breakthroughs in key technologies such as cold crucible body design, power supply matching, crucible start-up, mixing and discharging technology, and calciner structure design.
Results and data from the trial
In the 90-day continuous operation test, a total of about 140 cubic meters of simulated waste liquid was processed, and about 52 tons of simulated vitrified solids were generated, and the waste inclusion rate of vitrified solids reached 20%-24%. During the test operation, the equipment was in good condition, and the performance indicators met the design requirements, which fully proved the maturity and reliability of the technology.
Figure: China Institute of Atomic Energy has developed a pure self-developed cold crucible vitrification technology
International impact and prospects for cooperation
As the world's most advanced vitrification technology for high-level radioactive waste, China's successful research and development has undoubtedly enhanced its voice and influence in the international nuclear energy field. At present, there are very few countries in the world that have mastered this technology, and China's participation has injected new vitality into the development of international high-level radioactive waste treatment technology. In the future, China is expected to carry out more exchanges and cooperation with other countries in this field to jointly promote the progress of nuclear energy technology and environmental protection.
Technology application and future prospects
With the continuous optimization and engineering application of technology, cold crucible glass curing technology will provide a strong technical guarantee for the safe and environmentally friendly treatment of high radioactive waste in China. The project team of the Institute of Atomic Energy will work with relevant units to further carry out research on the key processes and equipment optimization of cold crucibles and the thermal verification of vitrification formula laboratories, and realize the engineering application of cold crucible vitrification technology in combination with digitalization and intelligence technologies.
Conclusion
After 18 years of sharpening a sword, this technological achievement of CNNC is a microcosm of China's nuclear energy technology innovation. It not only demonstrates China's independent innovation capability in the field of nuclear energy, but also reflects China's positive contribution to global nuclear energy safety and environmental protection. With the further development and application of technology, we have reason to believe that China will occupy an increasingly important position in the field of high-level radioactive waste treatment and contribute more to the peaceful use and sustainable development of global nuclear energy.
