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Predictive modeling of crystal accumulation in high-level waste glass melters processing radioactive waste

Journal Article · · Journal of Nuclear Materials
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The effectiveness of HLW vitrification is limited by precipitation/accumulation of spinel crystals [(Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn)(Fe, Cr)2O4] in the glass discharge riser of Joule-heated ceramic melters during idling. These crystals do not affect glass durability; however, if accumulated in thick layer, they can clog the melter and prevent discharge of molten glass into canisters. To address this problem, an empirical model was developed that can predict thicknesses of accumulated layers as a function of glass composition. This model predicts well the accumulation of single crystals and/or small-scale agglomerates, but, excessive agglomeration observed in high-Ni-Fe glass resulted in an under-prediction of accumulated layers, which gradually worsen over time as an increased number of agglomerates formed. Accumulation rate of ~53.8 ± 3.7 µm/h determined for this glass will result in ~26 mm thick layer in 20 days of melter idling.
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
1414530
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-125881; 830403000
Journal Information:
Journal of Nuclear Materials, Journal Name: Journal of Nuclear Materials Journal Issue: C Vol. 495; ISSN 0022-3115
Publisher:
Elsevier
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (9)

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The crystal structures of synthetic Re- and PGE-bearing magnesioferrite Spinels: Implications for impacts, accretion and the mantle journal February 2001
Vitrification and testing of a Hanford high-level waste sample. Part 2: Phase identification and waste form leachability journal October 2005
Crystallization during processing of nuclear waste glass journal December 2010
Effect of feed melting, temperature history, and minor component addition on spinel crystallization in high-level waste glass journal August 2001
The effect of composition on spinel crystals equilibrium in low-silica high-level waste glasses journal May 2003
Kinetics of growth of spinel crystals in a borosilicate glass journal July 2002
Partitioning of ruthenium, rhodium, and palladium between spinel and silicate melt and implications for platinum group element fractionation trends journal March 1990
Dissolution and growth of spinel crystals in a borosilicate glass journal October 2002

Cited By (1)

Crystallization behavior of iron- and boron-containing nepheline (Na 2 O·Al 2 O 3 ·2SiO 2 ) based model high-level nuclear waste glasses journal August 2018

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Related Subjects

Crystal accumulation
Empirical model
HLW Glass
Melter
Vitrification