Summary of INEL research on the iron-enriched basalt waste form
This report summarizes the knowledge base on the iron-enriched basalt (IEB) waste form developed at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) during 1979--1982. The results presented discuss the applicability of IEB in converting retrieved transuranic (TRU) waste from INEL`s Radioactive Waste Management Complex (RWMC) into a vitreous/ceramic (glassy/rock) stable waste form suitable for permanent disposal in an appropriate repository, such as the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico. Borosilicate glass (BSG), the approved high-level waste form, appears unsuited for this application. Melting the average waste-soil mix from the RWMC produces the IEB composition and attempting to convert IEB to the BSG composition would require additions of substantial B{sub 2}0{sub 3}, Na, and SiO{sub 2} (glass frit). IEB requires processing temperatures of 1400 to 1600{degrees}C, depending upon the waste composition. Production of the IEB waste form, using Joule heated melters, has proved difficult in the past because of electrode and refractory corrosion problems associated with the high temperature melts. Higher temperature electric melters (arc and plasma) are available to produce this final waste form. Past research focused on extensive slag property measurements, waste form leachability tests, mechanical, composition, and microstructure evaluations, as well as a host of experiments to improve production of the waste form. Past INEL studies indicated that the IEB glass-ceramic is a material that will accommodate and stabilize a wide range of heterogeneous waste materials, including long lived radionuclides and scrap metals, while maintaining a superior level of chemical and physical performance characteristics. Controlled cooling of the molten IEB and subsequent heat treatment will produce a glass-ceramic waste form with superior leach resistance.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-76ID01570
- OSTI ID:
- 10140590
- Report Number(s):
- EGG-WTD-10056; ON: DE92012510
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Jan 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Thermal processing system concepts and considerations for RWMC buried waste
Thermal processing system concepts and considerations for RWMC buried waste
Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
WASTE FORMS
EVALUATION
ALPHA-BEARING WASTES
VITRIFICATION
CERAMICS
GLASS
BASALT
IRON
VISCOSITY
MELTING
ZIRCONIUM OXIDES
URANIUM OXIDES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
VOLATILITY
CESIUM
DISSOLUTION
LEAD
MERCURY
052002
360606
WASTE DISPOSAL AND STORAGE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES