Stainless steel canisterThe radioactive powder produced during reprocessing is fused with glass granulate at approx. 1,100 °C to form a homogeneous glass product. The radioactive substances are bound in this glass mass. The still liquid glass melt is filled into stainless steel canisters in which it cools and solidifies. The resulting glass product is internationally regarded as a suitable and stable form for the solidification of waste of this type for final disposal, as the waste material becomes a practically inseparable component of the glass. Thus, the safe confinement of the radioactive materials is already ensured by the glass matrix and the welded canisters.
A further barrier is the CASTOR® cask with its double-lid sealing system, which is used for transport and interim storage. The cask also safely shields the radioactive radiation emitted by the inventory.