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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Apparatus for the processing of solid mixed waste containing radioactive and hazardous materials

Patent ·
OSTI ID:872193
Apparatus for the continuous heating and melting of a solid mixed waste bearing radioactive and hazardous materials to form separate metallic, slag and gaseous phases for producing compact forms of the waste material to facilitate disposal includes a copper split water-cooled (cold) crucible as a reaction vessel for receiving the waste material. The waste material is heated by means of the combination oaf plasma torch directed into the open upper portion of the cold crucible and an electromagnetic flux produced by induction coils disposed about the crucible which is transparent to electromagnetic fields. A metallic phase of the waste material is formed in a lower portion of the crucible and is removed in the form of a compact ingot suitable for recycling and further processing. A glass-like, non-metallic slag phase containing radioactive elements is also formed in the crucible and flows out of the open upper portion of the crucible into a slag ingot mold for disposal. The decomposition products of the organic and toxic materials are incinerated and converted to environmentally safe gases in the melter.
DOE Contract Number:
;
Assignee:
Institute of Chemical Technology (PlasTech) (Moscow, RU)
Patent Number(s):
US 5882581
Application Number:
08/911,071
OSTI ID:
872193
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English