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Using a plasma-fired cyclone reactor for calcining and vitrifying radioactive wastes

  • Applied Technology
  • Waste Vitrification
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Abstract

A plasma-fired closed-top cyclone reactor for the direct treatment of simulated radioactive waste slurries to produce a final vitreous waste form has been engineered and operated. A nontransferred arc plasma torch was attached tangentially to the cyclone and utilized as both an enthalpy source and to provide the gas velocities required to generate the cyclonic gas-flow patterns. Various injection points for waste slurries and vitrifying media were studied to determine optimal positions for each. The feasibility of simulant injection directly into the flame zone and its effect on electrode lifetimes was studied.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Intel, USA

    Gregory M. Bunce (engineer)

  2. the Metallurgical and Mining Engineering Department, the University of Idaho, USA

    Patrick R. Taylor (professor and head)

  3. British Nuclear Fuels, USA

    Sven G. Roden (research associate)

Authors
  1. Gregory M. Bunce
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  2. Patrick R. Taylor
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  3. Sven G. Roden
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Additional information

For more information, contact P.R. Taylor, University of Idaho, Metallurgical and Mining Engineering Department, McClure Hall, Moscow, Idaho 93944-3024; (208) 885-6769; fax (208) 885-2855; e-mail prtaylor@uidaho.edu.

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Bunce, G.M., Taylor, P.R. & Roden, S.G. Using a plasma-fired cyclone reactor for calcining and vitrifying radioactive wastes. JOM 51, 22–24 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-999-0182-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-999-0182-8

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