Volatility studies in a rotating hearth furnace
The plasma arc centrifugal treatment (PACT) system has considerable promise for treating radioactive and mixed wastes. Because the centerline temperature of plasmas is quite high, concern has been expressed that this might cause excessive volatilization of heavy metals, especially in the presence of chlorine. In the PACT process, waste material is fed into a sealed centrifuge where it is heated by a transferred-arc plasma torch. Organic material is evaporated and destroyed almost immediately upon entering the primary chamber. Off-gas travels through a secondary combustion chamber where the temperature is maintained at greater than 2000{degrees}F for at least 2 s. The gas then enters an air pollution control system. Inorganic material is reduced to a molten phase that is uniformly heated and mixed by the motion of the centrifuge and the effect of the plasma arc. Material can be added during the process to control slag quality. The off-gas treatment system removes particulates, harmful gases, and volatilized metals. Off-gas monitoring ensures that applicable environmental regulations are met.
- OSTI ID:
- 89406
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-941102-; ISSN 0003-018X; TRN: 95:004215-0483
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 71; Conference: Winter meeting of the American Nuclear Society (ANS), Washington, DC (United States), 13-18 Nov 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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