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U.S. Department of Energy
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Research and development activities: fixation of radioactive residues. Quarterly progress report, April-June 1960

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5491771

Progress is reported in research and development work in the field of fixation of residues from radioactive wastes. The areas of investigation include studies of various waste-treatment processes, such as calcination, fixation in silicates, and utilization of certain minerals having selective retentivity for certain isotopes or groups of isotopes, as well as waste-disposal studies and economic aspects of both treatment and disposal. Waste calcination studies were continued in the fluid-bed calciner using simulated high acid Purex waste as feed. A batch calcination facility capable of handling pots 54-in. high and 14-in. in diameter was built. Studies were continued on methods of improving the thermal conductivity of calcined powder. Data are included on the effect of feed rate, steam pressure, and sugar concentration on powder holdup on the column walls and on the extent of calcination of the powder formed from Purex waste. Neutralized Zirflex waste was successfully calcined. Corrosion tests were continued. Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the effect of ..gamma.. irradiation on the ability of clinoptilolite to absorb cesium. Studies were also made on the influence of solution pH on anion replacement reactions in minerals. Laboratory studies to investigate the possibility of direct decontamination of some types of high-level wastes gave promising results. The effectiveness of clinoptilolite columns was tested with aged Redox high-salt waste,aluminum coated wastes, and Purex high-salt wastes. Data are tabulated from tests on cesium removal by clinoptilolite. The arrangement of the micro pilot plant used in the studies is illustrated photographically. Several metals were examined to determine their ability to decontaminate ruthenium.

Research Organization:
General Electric Co., Richland, WA (USA). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
OSTI ID:
5491771
Report Number(s):
HW-66571
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English