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Influence of temperature on strength of cemented surrogate nitrate salt waste

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6668784
The Rocky Flats Plant (RFP) generates large volumes of a low level aqueous waste stream high in nitrate salts. The aqueous waste is concentrated by evaporation and then mixed with Portland cement prior to transport and disposal. Planned process upgrades include a new horizontal thin film evaporator. Temperature of brine at discharge end of the new evaporator will be near boiling point. Introduction of hot water to cement can degrade the monolithic waste form. However, the RFP salt waste contains high concentrations of compounds known to retard hydration. This paper discusses impact of introducing high temperature waste to cement. The study evaluated three waste compositions: (1) highest probable nitrate composition, (2) highest probable chloride composition, and (3) current composition. Results showed that compressive strength of final waste form increased with brine temperature, and waste forms from brine at the boiling point exhibited a near doubling of compressive strength when compared to waste forms from brine at room temperature.
Research Organization:
EG and G Rocky Flats, Inc., Golden, CO (United States). Rocky Flats Plant
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC34-90DP62349
OSTI ID:
6668784
Report Number(s):
RFP-4623; CONF-930396--3; ON: DE93008805
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English