Inventors:
Margaret C. Stinson - N. Billerica MA
Mitchell S. Galanek - Plymouth MA
Assignee:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge MA
International Classification:
G21C 100
Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for housing radioactively and biologically contaminated waste materials during treatment thereof to inactivate the biological contaminants and render the wastes more suitable for disposal in a solid landfill. The apparatus is nonporous and thermally resistant. Additionally, the apparatus features at least one opening within which is disposed a filter for entrapping any radioactive compounds contained in gases exiting the apparatus during the treatment. The apparatus is used in conjunction with an autoclaving procedure which inactivates the biological contaminants while preventing volatile radioactive compounds from escaping into the environment.