Summary
Vitrification processes for high level wastes in nitric acid solutions require drying, calcination and melting operations that are conducive to the formation of oxidized compounds of certain elements. These include ruthenium and technetium with the volatile oxides RuO4 and TC2O7 corresponding to a high degree of oxidation. In addition to selective traps, various methods are available for limiting this volatilization to reduce the radioactive and technological hazards. One of these methods, predenitration, has been investigated for many years, as a means of significantly reducing the oxidation of nitrosyl ruthenium compounds produced above 130°C during calcination. Another method involves the addition of reducing agents directly to the HLLW solution prior to calcination. Extensive testing on lab-scale equipment and semi-industrial pilot facilities has made it possible to define the optimum experimental conditions capable of reducing the total ruthenium and technetium volatility in industrial high level waste vitrification facilities to 1.5% and 8%, respectively, of the feed solution activity.
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© 1986 ECSC, EEC, EAEC, Brussels and Luxembourg
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Jouan, A., Moncouyoux, J.P., Halaszovich, S. (1986). Reduction of Ru and Tc Volatility during Vitrification of HLLW by Denitration. In: Cecille, L., Halaszovich, S. (eds) Denitration of Radioactive Liquid Waste. Radioactive Waste Management Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-9757-1_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-9757-1_12
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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