Initial Experience to Determine the Solubility of Salts in Low-Level Mix Waste Glasses
Glass may be used to immobilize low-level mixed waste (LLMW) at the Savannah River Site because of its ability to accept a wide variety of components into its network structure. However, many common salts (sulfates, chlorides, phosphates, and chromates) present in the LLMW streams have limited solubility in glass. Processing and product problems may arise if the solubility of these salts is exceeded. In an effort to determine the factors that most affect salt solubilities, a statistical screening experiment was performed. The screening experiment, a Plackett-Burman design, allowed efficient estimation of the effects of variables, such as the composition of the glass, the temperature of the melt, the duration of melting, and the cooling rate. Each of these factors, along with a combination of sulfate, chloride, phosphate and chromate concentrations, were examined to provide an estimate of the solubility of each salt. The results of the screening experiment were interpreted to determine which variables should be further examined. The composition of the glass, especially the concentrations of boron, calcium and the alkalis, was found to have the greatest effect on the solubilities of the salts. This paper will discuss the results of the screening experiment and describe a path forward.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- OSTI ID:
- 64294
- Report Number(s):
- WSRC-MS--95-0087; CONF-950877--9; ON: DE95060113
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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