Characterization of Radioactive Waste Melter Feed Vitrified By Microwave Energy,
Abstract
Liquid high-level nuclear waste will be immobilized at the Savannah River Site (SRS) by vitrification in borosilicate glass. The glass win be processed in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) and poured into stainless steel canisters for eventual disposal in a geologic repository. Vitrification of melter feed samples is necessary for DWPF process and product control. Microwave fusion of melter feed at approximately 12OO deg C for 10 minutes has been shown to yield homogeneous glasses comparable to those melted in a conventional furnace for 4 hours. Microwave fusion at lower temperatures for longer times was found to crystallize NiFe2O4 spinel. The use of higher temperatures was determined to cause significant volatilization and recrystallization of the glass. Redox measurements indicated that microwave vitrification of melter slurries may also yield more representative measures of glass Fe2+/Sigma Fe ratio of the glass which is important to melter processing of the glass.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 27, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADP007757
Entities
People
- Carol M. Jantzen
- James R. Cadieux