Conversion of Nuclear Waste to Molten Glass: Cold-Cap Reactions in Crucible Tests
Abstract
The feed-to-glass conversion, which comprises complex chemical reactions and phase transitions, occurs in the cold cap during nuclear waste vitrification. Here, to investigate the conversion process, we analyzed heat-treated samples of a simulated high-level waste feed using X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, leaching tests, and residual anion analysis. Feed dehydration, gas evolution, and borate phase formation occurred at temperatures below 700°C before the emerging glass-forming melt was completely connected. Above 700°C, intermediate aluminosilicate phases and quartz particles gradually dissolved in the continuous borosilicate melt, which expanded with transient foam. Finally, knowledge of the chemistry and physics of feed-to-glass conversion will help us control the conversion path by changing the melter feed makeup to maximize the glass production rate.
- Authors:
-
[1];
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- U.S. Department of Energy, Office of River Protection, Richland, WA (United States)
- Publication Date:
- Research Org.:
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE
- OSTI Identifier:
- 1341439
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-115889
Journal ID: ISSN 0002-7820
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- Resource Type:
- Accepted Manuscript
- Journal Name:
- Journal of the American Ceramic Society
- Additional Journal Information:
- Journal Volume: 99; Journal Issue: 9; Journal ID: ISSN 0002-7820
- Publisher:
- American Ceramic Society
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES; nuclear waste; glass; reaction path
Citation Formats
Xu, Kai, Hrma, Pavel, Rice, Jarrett A., Schweiger, Michael J., Riley, Brian J., Overman, Nicole R., and Kruger, Albert A. Conversion of Nuclear Waste to Molten Glass: Cold-Cap Reactions in Crucible Tests. United States: N. p., 2016.
Web. doi:10.1111/jace.14310.
Xu, Kai, Hrma, Pavel, Rice, Jarrett A., Schweiger, Michael J., Riley, Brian J., Overman, Nicole R., & Kruger, Albert A. Conversion of Nuclear Waste to Molten Glass: Cold-Cap Reactions in Crucible Tests. United States. https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.14310
Xu, Kai, Hrma, Pavel, Rice, Jarrett A., Schweiger, Michael J., Riley, Brian J., Overman, Nicole R., and Kruger, Albert A. Mon .
"Conversion of Nuclear Waste to Molten Glass: Cold-Cap Reactions in Crucible Tests". United States. https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.14310. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1341439.
@article{osti_1341439,
title = {Conversion of Nuclear Waste to Molten Glass: Cold-Cap Reactions in Crucible Tests},
author = {Xu, Kai and Hrma, Pavel and Rice, Jarrett A. and Schweiger, Michael J. and Riley, Brian J. and Overman, Nicole R. and Kruger, Albert A.},
abstractNote = {The feed-to-glass conversion, which comprises complex chemical reactions and phase transitions, occurs in the cold cap during nuclear waste vitrification. Here, to investigate the conversion process, we analyzed heat-treated samples of a simulated high-level waste feed using X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, leaching tests, and residual anion analysis. Feed dehydration, gas evolution, and borate phase formation occurred at temperatures below 700°C before the emerging glass-forming melt was completely connected. Above 700°C, intermediate aluminosilicate phases and quartz particles gradually dissolved in the continuous borosilicate melt, which expanded with transient foam. Finally, knowledge of the chemistry and physics of feed-to-glass conversion will help us control the conversion path by changing the melter feed makeup to maximize the glass production rate.},
doi = {10.1111/jace.14310},
journal = {Journal of the American Ceramic Society},
number = 9,
volume = 99,
place = {United States},
year = {Mon May 23 00:00:00 EDT 2016},
month = {Mon May 23 00:00:00 EDT 2016}
}
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Works referencing / citing this record:
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