Can-in-canister demonstration at DWPF

US DOE fissile Materials Deposition Program is evaluating options for disposition of weapons-usable plutonium that is surplus to national defense needs. This article discusses one of the immobilization options can-in-canister approach. In this option, small cans of a glass form, in which plutonium has been immobilized and which contains a neutron absorber, are placed on a support structure in a large Savannah River site Defense Waste Processing Facility canister. Then the top is welded onto the canister, and the canister is filled with high-level waste glass. The glass provides the radiation source for proliferation resistance. The canisters are finally to be placed in a federal repository. Topics discussed include can-in canister option, demonstration, phases of the program, and conclusions. 3 figs.