Glass formulation development and testing for the vitrification of cesium-loaded crystalline silicotitanate (CST)
Crystalline Silicotitanate (CST) is an inorganic ion exchange medium that was designed to sorb Cs-137, Sr-90 and several other radionuclides. CST exhibits high selectivity for the ion exchange of cesium from highly alkaline solutions containing large quantities of sodium. Through the Tanks Focus Area (TFA), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was funded to demonstrate the effectiveness of CST as an ion exchange material using supernate from the Melton Valley Storage Tanks (MVST). After processing the supernate through columns containing CST, the CST will be sluiced into drums and dewatered. Some of the CST will be shipped to the Savannah River Technology Center (SRTC) to demonstrate vitrification of the cesium-loaded CST in the shielded cells facility of SRTC. Vitrification is considered to be the Best Demonstrated Available Technology for immobilization of high-level waste and is currently being investigated for the treatment of low-level/mixed wastes. Vitrification of cesium-loaded CST offers a number of benefits. Vitrification: (1) is less expensive than many of the technologies available; (2) offers a large volume reduction; (3) produces a waste form that is very durable; (4) is an established technology; (5) can be used for a wide variety of waste streams; and (6) produces a waste form that is resistant to radiation damage. Prior to a full-scale demonstration, a glass formulation that will produce a glass that is both processable and durable must be developed. Crucible studies using unloaded CST and reagent grade glass-forming chemicals (or frit) were performed. Initially, scoping studies were performed to determine the chemicals necessary to form a glass. A screening experiment was then performed to determine the quantity of chemicals required. Finally, tests were conducted to determine the waste loading to be used during processing in the melter.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- OSTI ID:
- 615637
- Report Number(s):
- WSRC-MS--97-00041; CONF-970677--; ON: DE98003418
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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