| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
Materials Science & Technology 2019
|
| Symposium
|
Materials Issues in Nuclear Waste Management
|
| Presentation Title |
Observations of Crystal Settling Behavior in a Full-Scale HLW Melter Mock-Up |
| Author(s) |
Kevin M. Fox, Mark Fowley, Albert Kruger |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Kevin M. Fox |
| Abstract Scope |
The US Department of Energy is transitioning toward operation of the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant to safely dispose of defense high-level nuclear waste in borosilicate glass. For a significant fraction of these wastes, their loading in glass is limited by the formation of spinel crystals in the melt. Methods of controlling this crystallization will allow for maximizing waste loadings while protecting melter operation. Methods for recovering from unexpected accumulations of crystals must also be available to ensure longevity of the melters. A full-scale, room temperature test system is being used for direct observation of particle settling and resuspension under prototypic pouring conditions. Time-lapse photography has allowed for the determination of particle flow behavior under varying conditions, providing a basis for modeling and correlation to experimental glass melts. Recovery from significant accumulations of particles has been demonstrated, and will be linked to operating conditions via further scaled melter testing. |