Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to identify the most suitable approach for managing irradiated graphite

Scientific literature studies irradiated graphite treatment. Research also covers graphite conditioning and its long-term behavior under disposal conditions. The European Commission's CARBOWASTE project, titled “Treatment and disposal of irradiated graphite and other carbonaceous waste”, is a key reference for state-of-the-art studies on alternative solutions. It identified 24 strategic options for managing irradiated graphite throughout its complete life cycle. The methodology proposed in this paper entails the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to rank the 24 options, placing particular emphasis on the weighting of seven criteria for selecting management options for the irradiated graphite. The highest weights were assigned by experts to ‘environment and public safety' (28.05 %) and ‘worker safety' (26.16 %). The objective is to develop a standardized approach enabling waste management companies to identify the most appropriate management option, considering structural and legislative constraints in their operating country. Examining the study findings, option 19 “In-situ entombment” stands out as the best choice in both the CARBOWASTE project and the proposed methodology. Thus, this methodology could assist hypothetical entities in examining management options for irradiated graphite, with the aim of identifying the optimal solution for graphite waste disposal.