On 12 July, Sogin successfully concluded the acceptance tests of a mobile super-compaction and cementing facility for radioactive waste at the Latina power plant, at the presence of representatives of the Italian National Inspectorate for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection
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The facility is equipped with the highest security systems, placed in a dynamically confined environment to ensure the isolation of radioactivity. It consists mainly of a 20,000 kN mobile press, a handling and moving unit for compacted drums (so-called "capsules") and their containers ("’overpacks"), and a section for conditioning through the use of qualified cement mortar. The new system was installed in the outdoor area, specifically on the slab that was attached to the former turbine building dismantled in 2012.
Once the authorisation for commissioning has been obtained, the facility will be able to manage the entire process of super-compaction and cementing of low and very low-level waste from the decommissioning operations of the Pontine power plant, in order to make it suitable for temporary storage at the site and subsequent transfer to the National Repository. The waste, packaged in 200-litre drums, is first reduced into capsules using the super-compaction press, which in turn are placed in suitable overpack containers to be subjected to the cementing process until the conditioned manufactured items are obtained.
Thanks to this new facility, which will be operated exclusively by Sogin and Nucleco personnel, it will be possible to reduce the volume of radioactive waste stored in the temporary storage facilities at the Latina plant by around 65%, in line with the company's circular economy model. This activity represents an important milestone for the company and is consistent with its internalisation strategy, which aims to enhance the company's professionalism and the commitment of the site staff.