Remote modification of a glass melter pour spout at operating temperature
- Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
Since radioactive startup, the U.S. Department of Energy`s defense waste processing facility (DWFP) at Savannah River Site was experiencing difficulties with the glass melter. The melter intended for long-term pouring of vitrified glass mixed with high-level waste was not providing a clean pour. Prolonged pouring of glass canisters was accompanied by wicking of glass over the internal knife edges of the pour spout. This wicking caused glass to enter the expansion bellows segment of the spout and was interfering with the glass flow and canister changeout. Eventual glass buildup and pour spout pluggage were major concerns of processing the waste. Cleaning tools, a high-temperature inspection device, a removable pour spout insert, and associated installation and removal tools were developed and utilized to modify the pour spout configuration and reduce the wicking due to pour stream deflections. These tools were designed for remote use because of the high radiation levels and a glass melter operating temperature of 1100{degrees}C.
- OSTI ID:
- 552612
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-971125-; ISSN 0003-018X; TRN: 98:001809
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 77; Conference: 1997 American Nuclear Society (ANS) winter meeting, Albuquerque, NM (United States), 16-20 Nov 1997; Other Information: PBD: 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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