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Title: Modeling of the in-situ vitrification process

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6197742

In situ vitrification (ISV) is a thermal treatment process that converts contaminated soil into a durable, leach-resistant product similar to obsidian or basalt. The process, which was developed by Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) for remediation of contaminated soil, is now in the field demonstration and implementation stage. Demonstration tests using the US Department of Energy (DOE)-owned large-scale system are underweight or planned for applications at Hanford and other DOE sites, including the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Savannah River Site. In addition, a private company, Geosafe Corporation, is beginning remediation of commercial contaminated soil sites. A mathematical and computer model has been developed at PNL as a predictive tool to assist engineers and researchers in the application of ISV to different sites. The model, currently configured on a Macintosh personal computer, predicts vitrification time, depth, width, and electrical consumption based on user inputs of electrode configuration, soil parameters, and molten glass characteristics. The model time and depth predications are useful for operations planning, cost estimates, and site selection. Additionally, the depth and width predictions will be used to direct ISV operations to ensure that the contaminated area is completely vitrified and to help mitigate the effect of ISV on adjacent structures. 1 ref., 8 figs.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/NE
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
6197742
Report Number(s):
PNL-SA-17911; CONF-900407-7; ON: DE91007377
Resource Relation:
Conference: 92. annual meeting of the American Ceramic Society, Dallas, TX (USA), 22-26 Apr 1990
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English