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A Direct, Single-Step Plasma ARC-Vitreous Ceramic Process for Stabilizing Spent Nuclear Fuels, Sludges, and Associated Wastes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 September 2012

Xiangdong Feng ,
Robert E. Einziger  and
Richard C. Eschenbach
Xiangdong Feng
Affiliation:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, [email protected]
Robert E. Einziger
Affiliation:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, [email protected]
Richard C. Eschenbach
Affiliation:
Retech, A Division of M4 Environmental, Ukiah, CA 95482
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Abstract

A single-step plasma arc-vitreous ceramic (PAVC) process is described for converting spent nuclear fuel (SNF), SNF sludges, and associated wastes into a vitreous ceramic waste form. This proposed technology is built on extensive experience of nuclear waste form development and nuclear waste treatment using the commercially available plasma arc centrifugal (PAC) system. SNF elements will be loaded directly into a PAC furnace with minimum additives and converted into vitreous ceramics with up to 90 wt% waste loading. The vitreous ceramic waste form should meet the functional requirements for borosilicate glasses for permanent disposal in a geologic repository and for interim storage. Criticality safety would be ensured through the use of “batch” modes, and controlling the amount of fuel processed in one batch. The minimum requirements on SNF characterization and pretreatment, the one-step process, and minimum secondary waste generation may reduce treatment duration, radiation exposure, and treatment cost.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 465: Symposium II – Scienfific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XX , 1996 , 25
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1997

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References

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