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Nuclear energy

Research Finds New Software for Assessing Radiological Risk in Metal Radioactive Waste Recycling

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A research study led by the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea has developed a new software, Recycling-Underlying Computational Dose Assessment Software (RUCAS), to accurately estimate radiological risks to the public from the increasing decommissioning of nuclear facilities worldwide. The research highlights the limitations of existing tools and introduces a more robust and versatile dose assessment framework compared to currently available tools. This breakthrough signifies substantial progress in developing safer and more feasible recycling strategies for radioactive waste.

Key Takeaways:

  • The RUCAS software was developed by the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in the Republic of Korea to address the limitations of existing tools for assessing radiological risks in metal radioactive waste recycling.
  • RUCAS integrates the strengths of existing tools, such as RESRAD-RECYCLE and MicroShield(R), while incorporating the latest data, including dose conversion factors and nuclide data.
  • The software employs the point-kernel method and offers a more accurate, robust, and versatile dose assessment framework compared to currently available tools.
  • The research highlights the importance of deregulation of radioactive waste from decommissioning nuclear facilities, as accurately estimating potential radiological risks is crucial for public safety.
  • RUCAS has significant implications for developing safer and more feasible recycling strategies for radioactive waste.
  • The research team, led by Jaeyeong Park, consists of Ugyu Jeong and Hyeongjin Byeon, among others.

Statistics:

  • 57, the volume number of the Nuclear Engineering and Technology journal where the research study was published.
  • 8, the issue number of the Nuclear Engineering and Technology journal where the research study was published.
  • Ulsan, the city in South Korea where the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) is located.
  • 50 Unist Gil, the address of the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in Ulsan, South Korea.
  • 342-1 Jangdae-Dong, Daejeon, the address of the Korean Nuclear Soc, the publisher of Nuclear Engineering and Technology.

Sources:

  • Rucas: Software for Assessing Radiological Risk To the Public In Metallic Radioactive Waste Recycling From Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 2025;57(8).
  • Korean Nuclear Soc, Nutopia Bldg, 342-1 Jangdae-Dong, Daejeon, 305-308, South Korea
  • NewsRx. Findings from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in Nuclear Engineering Reported (Rucas: Software for Assessing Radiological Risk To the Public In Metallic Radioactive Waste Recycling From Decommissioning Nuclear ...). Computer Weekly News. August 6, 2025; p 310.

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