30.01.2012 IGD-TP starts its European-wide joint deployment of research, development, and demonstration activities for deep geological disposal of high-level and other long-lived radioactive wastes (Press Releases)

The deployment, on a large scale, of European and international collaborative research, development, and demonstration for deep geological disposal follows from the IGD-TP initiative, a dedicated technology platform launched in 2009. IGD-TPs draft Deployment Plan is now available for public consultation at the website www.igdtp.eu until 13th February 2012.

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19.01.2012 Copper canister lid welded – everything went as planned in the matryoshka (Topical at research)

Lid welding tests on the copper canister intended for the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel mean good news to Posiva. Posiva has not yet selected the final method for the closure of the final disposal canisters. Instead, the development work is still in progress. Electron beam welding is Posiva's reference method in the licensing.

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10.01.2012 Cool results from the red-hot cast testing (Topical at research)

The casting of the insert of one final disposal canister requires almost 20 tonnes of melted iron. The pour point of the melted iron exceeds 1,300 degrees Celsius. For years already, inserts have been cast for development purposes at the Metso foundry in Jyväskylä, and they have been studied carefully through international cooperation. The cast testing of the inserts has reached the required material characteristics.

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