Review of radioactive waste immobilization in concrete

Technical Report · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6708571· OSTI ID:6708571

Lokken, R O

A discussion is given of properties of concrete waste forms, as obtained through research on immobilization of radioactive wastes in concrete. Types of radioactive waste discussed include low-level and intermediate-level radioactive waste, simulated defense high-level waste sludges and calcines, simulated neutralized AGNS acid fuel reprocessing waste and simulated power reactor fuel cycle HLW calcines. The waste form properties include water/cement ratio, set times, curing exotherms, compressive strength, impact strength, Sr/Cs/ transuranics leachabilities, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and radiation stability. A discussion is also given of the conditions and restrictions that govern the feasibility of immobilizing HLW in concrete. Results of theoretical calculations are discussed and illustrated, as are the effects of waste loading on material requirements. Properties of glass and concrete waste forms and of hot-pressed cement used for the solidification are compared. A conceptual process for HLW immobilization in concrete is discussed with emphasis on processing problems associated with heat and radiation effects on water. Use of hydraulic cements for the solidification of low heat generating wastes will produce a product with acceptable properties; the high heat generating rates and radioactivity of HLW makes feasibility assessment difficult. Hot-pressed cement may make HLW immobilization feasible. 27 tables, 21 figures, 70 references. (DLC)

• Research Organization: Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-06-1830
• OSTI ID: 6708571
• Report Number(s): PNL-2654
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

052001* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Waste Processing
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
BUILDING MATERIALS
CEMENTS
COMPRESSION STRENGTH
CONCRETES
DISSOLUTION
DOCUMENT TYPES
FABRICATION
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
HOT PRESSING
INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
LEACHING
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MATERIALS WORKING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PRESSING
PROCESSING
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
REVIEWS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLIDIFICATION
STABILITY
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES