Contractor develops technique for immobilising radioactive nuclear waste

Costain has been awarded a nuclear industry patent after developing an innovative technique for immobilising radioactive waste.

The patent 鈥� which involves a more efficient method of immobilising radioactive sludge produced when nuclear rods are cooled 鈥� has been granted after a four-year examination process from the Patent Office.

The technique allows nuclear power stations to immobilise up to six times as much radioactive sludge a week by using the improved cementation process.

Paul Campbell, nuclear process sector director at Costain, said: 鈥淲e are extremely pleased to have been granted our first nuclear patent.鈥�

鈥淭his is one of a number of our novel approaches to the problems encountered when decommissioning nuclear plant.鈥�

Charles Sweeney, Costain energy and process managing director, said: 鈥淭his demonstrates the importance Costain places on developing innovative solutions to address complex challenges faced by the industry.鈥�

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