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U.S. Department of Energy
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Chop-leach fuel bundle residues densification by melting

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7322712· OSTI ID:7322712
Two melting processes were investigated for the densification of fuel bundle residues: Industoslag melting and graphite crucible melting. The Industoslag process, with prior decontamination and sorting, can produce ingots of Zircaloy, stainless steel and Inconel of a quality suitable for refabrication and reuse. The process can also melt oxidized mixtures of fuel bundle residues for direct storage. Eutectic mixtures of these materials can be melted in graphite at temperatures of 1300/sup 0/C. Hydrogen absorption experiments with the zirconium-rich alloys show the alloys to be potential tritium reservoirs. 13 figures.
Research Organization:
Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, Wash. (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
E(45-1)-1830
OSTI ID:
7322712
Report Number(s):
BNWL-2132
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English