Preliminary tests of an infrared process monitor for polyethylene encapsulation of radioactive waste
- Ames Lab., IA (United States)
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States)
Polyethylene encapsulation is a process that is being investigated for the solidification of radioactive nitrate salts at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Rocky Flats Plant. In the encapsulation process, radioactive-salt waste is mixed with polyethylene pellets, heated, and extruded as a molten stream. Upon cooling, the mixture solidifies to a monolithic waste form with excellent properties for long-term waste storage. This paper describes a novel method to monitor the composition of the salt/polymer stream as it exits the extruder. The monitor is based on a technique known as transient infrared spectroscopy (TIRS). The TIRS monitor is able to capture the real-time mid-infrared spectrum of the processed waste stream as it exits the extruder. The wealth of chemical information contained in a mid-infrared spectrum makes this technique very appealing for on-line monitoring and process control. Data from the monitor can be used to guide processing, minimize waste volume, and certify the composition of the final waste form.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-82
- OSTI ID:
- 549383
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-931119--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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