Application of molten salt oxidation for the minimization and recovery of plutonium-238 contaminated wastes

Conference · Thu Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:350844

Wishau, R; Ramsey, K B; Montoya, A

This paper presents the technical and economic feasibility of molten salt oxidation technology as a volume reduction and recovery process for {sup 238}Pu contaminated waste. Combustible low-level waste material contaminated with {sup 238}Pu residue is destroyed by oxidation in a 900 C molten salt reaction vessel. The combustible waste is destroyed creating carbon dioxide and steam and a small amount of ash and insoluble {sup 2328}Pu in the spent salt. The valuable {sup 238}Pu is recycled using aqueous recovery techniques. Experimental test results for this technology indicate a plutonium recovery efficiency of 99%. Molten salt oxidation stabilizes the waste converting it to a non-combustible waste. Thus installation and use of molten salt oxidation technology will substantially reduce the volume of {sup 238}Pu contaminated waste. Cost-effectiveness evaluations of molten salt oxidation indicate a significant cost savings when compared to the present plans to package, or re-package, certify and transport these wastes to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant for permanent disposal. Clear and distinct cost advantages exist for MSO when the monetary value of the recovered {sup 238}Pu is considered.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 350844
• Report Number(s): LA-UR--98-3969; CONF-981121--; ON: DE99002599
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
COST
LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
MATERIALS RECOVERY
MINIMIZATION
MOLTEN SALT WASTE GASIFICATION PROCESS
OXIDATION
PLUTONIUM 238
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING