Researchers at the University of Nottingham are investigating smouldering combustion to treat contaminated nuclear graphite waste. This flameless combustion method aims to reduce graphite bricks to ash by using the energy within the material itself, offering a more energy efficient alternative to current disposal methods. The project focuses on managing approximately 100,000 tonnes of graphite waste in the UK, much of which is contaminated with Carbon-14. By assessing the feasibility through modelling and life cycle assessments, the team hopes to accelerate the decommissioning of gas cooled nuclear reactors.
