Optimization of lanthanide borosilicate frit compositions for the immobilization of actinides using a Plackett-Burman/simplex algorithm design

Book · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:572021

Mesko, M G ^[1]; Meaker, T F; Ramsey, W G; Marra, J C; Peeler, D K ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Missouri, Rolla, MO (United States)
2. Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)

Immobilization by vitrification is one potential disposition option for a portion of the United States` excess plutonium inventory. Research has been performed at the Savannah River Site (SRS) to determine the optimum composition of a lanthanide borosilicate frit for the vitrification of plutonium using a Plackett-Burman design and simplex algorithm as a statistical tool. This technique uses various response variables to rank and optimize a composition. The variables used in this study correspond to homogeneity, durability, actinide solubility and devitrification after heat-treatment. The optimized frit composition was determined using a constant ThO{sub 2} loading of 20 wt%. No noticeable trends were followed with respect to the individual component which may indicate a relatively robust system able to accommodate variations in the feed. Batches containing various loadings of ThO{sub 2} were melted to determine if actinide solubility was improved in the optimized composition compared to that of a similar lanthanide borosilicate glass. No noticeable improvement in ThO{sub 2} solubility was realized as a result of using this optimization technique.

• OSTI ID: 572021
• Report Number(s): CONF-961202--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
BOROSILICATE GLASS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
NUCLEAR WEAPONS DISMANTLEMENT
PLUTONIUM
SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT
SOLUBILITY
THORIUM OXIDES
VITRIFICATION