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Title: Study of droplet formation for preparation of spheres by internal gelation

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5562631· OSTI ID:5562631

The internal-gelation process can be used to permanently immobilize highly radioactive nuclear wastes. A study was conducted to determine the factors affecting the formation of stable, uniform droplets from a vibrating nozzle, which is a critical step in this process. Experimental data were collected using four nozzle diameters (325 to 586 ..mu..m) with jet velocities ranging from 1 to 10 m/s, and three test liquids, whose physical properties cover the possible range of the waste fluid. A dimensional analysis identified the pertinent dimensionless groups as Reynolds, Weber, Froude, and Power numbers, and a dimensionless droplet spacing. Power-function correlations of the data in these dimensionless groups are presented, which define the region of good droplet formation. A unique catcher-stream design is also presented, which improves performance of the process at higher flow rates and frequencies.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Oak Ridge, TN (USA). School of Chemical Engineering Practice
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
5562631
Report Number(s):
ORNL/MIT-337; ON: DE82007500; TRN: 82-007794
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English