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U.S. Department of Energy
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Gas release during formatting of a simulated Hanford waste vitrification plant feed

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7153890

High-level radioactive wastes have been generated at the Hanford Site in Washington over the past 40 years. The Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant (HWVP) is being designed for the Department of Energy (DOE) to vitrify and immobilize these wastes in a glass matrix for permanent disposal in a geologic repository. The incoming high level waste (HLW) is concentrated and chemical modifiers are added. The adjusted feed is then continuously metered to a ceramic melter, where it is converted to a glass. The molten glass product is poured into stainless steel canisters, which are to be placed in interim storage prior to shipment to the repository. This study was conducted to characterize the gases released during the step in which formic acid is added to concentrated HLW to adjust (1) the feed rheology to facilitate transfer through pipes within the plant, and (2) the overall redox state of the feed to a value acceptable for processing in the melter. The gas release behavior during formatting requires characterization in order to establish safe operating criteria and to design for compliance with environmental regulations. (4 refs., 6 figs., 5 tabs.)

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
7153890
Report Number(s):
PNL-SA-15965; CONF-880850-14; ON: DE88015941
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English