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Title: Plasma vitrification of waste materials

Patent ·
OSTI ID:489079

This invention provides a process wherein hazardous or radioactive wastes in the form of liquids, slurries, or finely divided solids are mixed with finely divided glassformers (silica, alumina, soda, etc.) and injected directly into the plume of a non-transferred arc plasma torch. The extremely high temperatures and heat transfer rates makes it possible to convert the waste-glassformer mixture into a fully vitrified molten glass product in a matter of milliseconds. The molten product may then be collected in a crucible for casting into final wasteform geometry, quenching in water, or further holding time to improve homogeneity and eliminate bubbles. 4 figs.

Research Organization:
Westinghouse Hanford Co
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-87RL10930
Assignee:
Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,637,127/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-566,238; TRN: 97:011393
OSTI ID:
489079
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 10 Jun 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English