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Title: Mathematical modeling of cold cap: Effect of bubbling on melting rate

Journal Article · · Ceramics--Silikaty, 58(4):296-302
OSTI ID:1188931

The rate of melting is a primary concern in the vitrification of radioactive wastes because it directly influences the life cycle of nuclear waste cleanup efforts. To increase glass melting performance, experimental and industrial all-electric waste glass melters employ various melt-rate enhancement techniques, the most prominent being the application of bubblers submerged into molten glass. This study investigates various ways in which bubbling affects melting rate in a waste glass melter. Using the recently developed cold cap model, we suggest that forced convection of molten glass, which increases the cold cap bottom temperature, is the main factor. Other effects, such as stirring the feed into molten glass or reducing the insulating effect of foaming, also play a role.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
1188931
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-106324; 830403000
Journal Information:
Ceramics--Silikaty, 58(4):296-302, Journal Name: Ceramics--Silikaty, 58(4):296-302
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English