Design of an integrated system to recycle Zircaloy cladding using a hydride-milling-dehydride process

The presence of zirconium metal in the two samples confirmed the operation of the hydriding/milling/hydriding machine. Further refining of the hydride/milling/dehydride machine could make this process commercially favorable when compared to the high cost of storing nuclear waste and its components. An additional important point is that this process can easily be used on other metals that are subject to hydrogen embrittlement, knowing the relevant temperatures and pressures associated with the hydriding/dehydriding of that particular metal.