ADVANCED VACUUM DRYING SYSTEM (AVDS)

Proven Nuclear Waste Conditioning System, inside final,disposable container, Innovation Award Winner, Highly Commended by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

The Advanced Vacuum Drying System (AVDS) is an innovative, proven conditioning solution for intermediate level nuclear waste (ILW) sludge. AVDS applies heat, vacuum and refrigeration to remove moisture content from sludge.

Wastes are dried to ensure their passivity for long term storage. The waste is conditioned in its original and final, disposable container. Moisture content is removed down to a level of less than 1% wt/wt (waste dependant).

The award-winning AVDS facilitates cost efficient ‘in-box drying’ for long term, above ground storage in self-shielded Disposable Waste Containers, offering an alternative to the traditional concrete encapsulation of ILW.

Advanced Vacuum Drying System GA The Vacuum Condenser Unit (VCU) controls up to six heating stations, either Cuboidal or Cylindrical	Vacuum Condenser Unit (VCU) Large scale, turnkey, closely controlled vacuum dryer for conditioning of intermediate level waste. The VCU removes virtually all water vapour from the process gas, leaving only non-condensable gas in the exhaust line	Cylindrical (Mosaik) Heating Stns The Cylindrical Container (DCIC) is placed inside the heating station for drying.
Cylindrical Heating Stations On-Site at Dungeness	Cylindrical Heating Stations GA The heating stations panels encase the container and are locked into position with the container inside	Cuboidal Heating Stations On-site at Berkeley
Cuboidal Heating Station GA The cuboidal Ductile Cast Iron Container (DCIC) is placed inside for drying	AVDS Transport Frame AVDS has a specially designed transport frame	Portable, 'Plug and Play' AVDS has a specially designed transport frame with Plug and Socket connectivity
Highly Commended MechaTech Systems receive High Commendation from Nuclear Decommissioning Authority	NDA Supply Chain Award Certificate for Best Application of Innovative Solution	Magnox I4 Innovation Award AVDS won the Magnox i4 Innovation Award in 2014

AVDS - OVERVIEW

Large scale, turnkey, closely controlled vacuum dryer for conditioning of intermediate level waste in its final, transportable, disposable container for long-term, above ground storage
Winner of Magnox Sites i4 Awards, Innovation Category 2014
Highly commended by Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for innovative solution

AVDS - HOW IT WORKS

A Vacuum Conditioning Unit (VCU) controls specially constructed heater panels, which encase the containers. The system incorporates high level control automation, powering up to six drying stations simultaneously, safeguarding efficiency and minimising operator intervention.

A high efficiency 2-stage condenser system removes virtually all water vapour from the process gas leaving only non-condensable gas in the exhaust line. The aqueous effluent recovered from the waste is collected in a condensate collection tank and then periodically transferred to an IBC before final disposal.

The control system accurately determines the point at which the waste has reached its required level of dryness to eliminate under-drying or wasteful over-drying.

The AVDS has an integrated Hydrogen Management System which prevents any hydrogen that may be generated during drying from forming a flammable atmosphere.

AVDS - FEATURES

Large scale, closely controlled vacuum drying
Final moisture content down to less than 1% wt/wt
Automatic endpoint determination
Up to six heating stations simultaneously controlled
Heating stations are adaptable to container shapes, whether cylindrical or cuboidal
Waste is conditioned inside the final disposable container
High level control automation
Hydrogen management system
Minimal operator intervention
Duty/standby condenser system for uninterrupted drying
Installation, commissioning, operational qualification
UK designed, manufactured & supported
Proven technology - actively drying at nuclear decommissioning sites

AVDS - FROM PROTOTYPE...

The video below is about the prototype AVDS, for Magnox Berkley Site. It was commissioned by Magnox and produced by Cineon Productions in 2013:

...TO ACTIVE CONDITIONING

Today, AVDS is actively conditioning waste at UK nuclear decommissioning sites.

What Magnox said to MechaTech Systems about the prototype build:

"..just wanted to...pass on my thanks for all the effort you and your team have put into this project… I am extremely grateful for your perseverance, tenacity and hard work.."

"In a few months we have gone from having no solution at all to having a state-of-the-art rad waste drying system which is going to become very popular in the near future. Truly fantastic..."

MechaTech Systems have delivered five AVDS systems to date and provide ongoing scheduled maintenance, spares and support.

MechaTech Systems conduct small scale trials of simulant waste using an in-house vacuum drying trials rigs for other nuclear decommissioning clients, both in the UK and overseas.