Abstract
The south Styrian company Thermoteam produces alternative fuels from waste materials,which are mainly used as a substitution for primary fuels in the cement industry. The production process includes several mechanical steps that lead to the transformation of waste into a product with high quality and defined composition. One of the main concerns during the production of these alternative fuels from waste materials is the potential risk for radioactive contamination. Although the probability of radioactive sources in conventional waste flows is very low, the potential consequences might indeed be very serious. Therefore, various steps during the production of Thermoteam are carefully monitored to prevent any contamination. On the one hand, radioactivity measurements of the facilities and the ongoing production are carried out. Furthermore, the local radioactivity dose rates of the region of Leibnitz are monitored for abnormalities and the source and origin of the recovered waste materials are checked. Finally, the input fractions as well as possible sources for radioactive contamination are evaluated in the course of a qualitative risk analysis. These interventions seek opportunities for the preventive monitoring of the production plant and other strategies to facilitate a contamination free production process. As a goal, the risk of radioactive contamination during the production of Thermoteam can be minimized and a high quality of the end product can be guaranteed.
Translated title of the contribution | Radioactive contamination of alternative fuels |
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Original language | German |
Qualification | Dipl.-Ing. |
Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 1 Jul 2011 |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Bibliographical note
embargoed until 12-07-2015Keywords
- alternative fuels
- substitute fuels
- radioactive contamination
- risk analysis