Processing of solid mixed waste containing radioactive and hazardous materials
Apparatus for the continuous heating and melting of a solid mixed waste bearing radioactive and hazardous materials to form separate metallic, slag and gaseous phases for producing compact forms of the waste material to facilitate disposal includes a copper split water-cooled (cold) crucible as a reaction vessel for receiving the waste material. The waste material is heated by means of the combination of a plasma torch directed into the open upper portion of the cold crucible and an electromagnetic flux produced by induction coils disposed about the crucible which is transparent to electromagnetic fields. A metallic phase of the waste material is formed in a lower portion of the crucible and is removed in the form of a compact ingot suitable for recycling and further processing. A glass-like, non-metallic slag phase containing radioactive elements is also formed in the crucible and flows out of the open upper portion of the crucible into a slag ingot mold for disposal. The decomposition products of the organic and toxic materials are incinerated and converted to environmentally safe gases in the melter. 6 figs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- Assignee:
- Inst. of Chemical Technology, Moscow (Russian Federation)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,750,822/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-557,961; TRN: 98:007953
- OSTI ID:
- 645947
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 12 May 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Processing of solid mixed waste containing radioactive and hazardous materials
Apparatus for the processing of solid mixed waste containing radioactive and hazardous materials