A pioneering technology developed by a world-leading Staffordshire-based company is set to transform nuclear waste disposal on a global scale.
Materials technologies specialist Lucideon has devised a groundbreaking encapsulation technique called MALLET in partnership with industry partner NUVIA UK.
The system has been developed in response to a number of nuclear industry waste disposal challenges and is seen as more cost-effective and efficient than other disposal methods.
MALLET – which is short for MIDAR™-Augmented Lower-cost Lower-carbon Encapsulation Technique – can be used to manage intermediate level waste substances associated with the industry, including oils, graphite, sludges, ashes and zeolites.
Lucideon, which has its headquarters in Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent, is now working with Innovate UK, and NUVIA UK, for the commercial scale-up and roll-out of the technology.
This has led to Lucideon and NUVIA holding a showcase event to demonstrate the patented waste encapsulation technique to nuclear industry stakeholders.
Richard Goodhead, Chief Marketing Officer of Lucideon, pictured above, said: “MALLET represents a significant development for the management of nuclear waste.
“It offers substantial benefits over traditional forms of Intermediate Level Waste stream disposal techniques such as Portland Cement, including a significant reduction in carbon emissions and waste volumes, as well as a considerable reduction in processing and disposal.
“The technology is also compliant with Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) and is chemically stable.”
Adrian Davis-Johnston, Head of Research, Development and Innovation at NUVIA UK, said: “MALLET has the potential to revolutionise nuclear waste disposal with its unique process.
“The showcase event was very successful and the technology has been well received by stakeholders in the nuclear industry.”
