Conversion of Nuclear Waste to Molten Glass: Cold-Cap Reactions in Crucible Tests

The feed-to-glass conversion, which comprises complex chemical reactions and phase transitions, occurs in the cold-cap zone during nuclear waste vitrification. Knowledge of the chemistry and physics of feed-to-glass conversion will help us control the conversion path by changing the melter feed make...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Ceramic Society 2016-05, Vol.99 (9)
Main Authors: Xu, Kai, Hrma, Pavel, Rice, Jarrett A., Schweiger, Michael J., Riley, Brian J., Overman, Nicole R., Kruger, Albert A., Vance, E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cold-cap
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
feed reactions
waste glass
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The feed-to-glass conversion, which comprises complex chemical reactions and phase transitions, occurs in the cold-cap zone during nuclear waste vitrification. 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. To investigate the conversion process, we analyzed heat-treated samples of a simulated high-level waste feed using X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis – wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, 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 800 °C, intermediate aluminosilicate phases and quartz particles were gradually dissolving in the continuous borosilicate melt, which expanded into transient foam. 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.
ISSN:0002-7820
1551-2916
DOI:10.1111/jace.14310