An Electrodeless Melter for Vitrification of Nuclear Waste

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper describes a new concept for a high-temperature, electrodeless melter for vitrifying radioactive wastes. Based on the principles of induction heating, it circumvents a number of difficulties associated with existing technology. The melter can operate at higher temperatures (1500–2000°C vs 1150°C), allowing for a higher quality, more durable glass which reduces the long-term leaching rate. Higher processing temperatures also enable conversion from borosilicate to high-silica glass which can accommodate 2 to 3 times as much radioactive waste, potentially halving the ultimate required long-term disposal space. Finally, with high temperatures, conversion of nuclear waste into ceramics can also be considered. This too leads to higher waste loading and the reduction of repository space. The melter is toroidal, linked by an iron core transformer that allows efficient electrical operation even at 60 Hz. One-dimensional electrical and thermal analyses are presented.