A process for solidifying sodium nitrate waste in polyethylene
A laboratory-scale process has been developed for the solidification of nitrate salt wastes in polyethylene. The process uses a commercially available single-screw extruder which continuously discharges prescribed polyethylene-waste mixtures from the hoppers to the output die, where it is extruded into a container while still in the molten form. The molten mixture (/approximately/110--120/degree/C) conforms to the shape of the container and solidifies upon cooling. Proportional feeders maintain waste to binder ratio and homogeneity of the waste form. Present studies use dry wastes, although wet solid wastes can be processed using vented extrudes of the type used for the bitumen solidification process. Tests were performed to determine leachability and mechanical stability. Emphasis is placed upon leaching of nitrates from the waste forms. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to confirm the compatibility of polyethylene and simulated salt wastes at elevated temperatures. Components of the polyethylene/NaNO/sub 3/ system, alone and in combination, were tested by DSC at temperatures to 400/degree/C. 14 refs., 6 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH00016
- OSTI ID:
- 6270025
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-42564; CONF-870511-7; ON: DE89012228; TRN: 89-014058
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 4. international hazardous waste symposium on environmental aspects of stabilization-solidification of hazardous and radioactive wastes, Atlanta, GA, USA, 3 May 1987; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
EXTRUSION
POLYETHYLENES
SODIUM NITRATES
LEACHING
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING
SOLIDIFICATION
STABILITY
WASTE FORMS
YIELD STRENGTH
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
DISSOLUTION
FABRICATION
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MATERIALS WORKING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NITRATES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
POLYMERS
POLYOLEFINS
PROCESSING
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES
052000* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Management
360603 - Materials- Properties
360601 - Other Materials- Preparation & Manufacture