Modified sulfur cement solidification of low-level wastes

Technical Report · Tue Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6263867· OSTI ID:6263867

This topical report describes the results of an investigation on the solidification of low-level radioactive wastes in modified sulfur cement. The work was performed as part of the Waste Form Evaluation Program, sponsored by the US Department of Energy's Low-Level Waste Management Program. Modified sulfur cement is a thermoplastic material developed by the US Bureau of Mines. Processing of waste and binder was accomplished by means of both a single-screw extruder and a dual-action mixing vessel. Waste types selected for this study included those resulting from advanced volume reduction technologies (dry evaporator concentrate salts and incinerator ash) and those which remain problematic for solidification using contemporary agents (ion exchange resins). Process development studies were conducted to ascertain optimal process control parameters for successful solidification. Maximum waste loadings were determined for each waste type and method of processing. Property evaluation testing was carried out on laboratory scale specimens in order to compare with waste form performance for other potential matrix materials. Waste form property testing included compressive strength, water immersion, thermal cycling and radionuclide leachability. Recommended waste loadings of 40 wt. % sodium sulfate and boric acid salts and 43 wt. % incinerator ash, which are based on processing and performance considerations, are reported. Solidification efficiencies for these waste types represent significant improvements over those of hydraulic cements. Due to poor waste form performance, incorporation of ion exchange resin waste in modified sulfur cement is not recommended.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH00016
• OSTI ID: 6263867
• Report Number(s): BNL-51923; ON: DE86006775
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
ASHES
BORIC ACID
COMPRESSION STRENGTH
DATA
EFFICIENCY
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INFORMATION
INORGANIC ACIDS
ION EXCHANGE MATERIALS
LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
PLASTICS
POLYMERS
PROCESSING
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
RESIDUES
RESINS
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
SODIUM SULFATES
SOLIDIFICATION
SULFATES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
THERMOPLASTICS
WASTE FORMS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES