Mechanism analysis using multi-physical field coupling: Silicon carbide-assisted microwave heating of UMT-coated soil

To immobilize radionuclides in the soil of uranium mill tailing (UMT), the microwave vitrification method is considered as a promising alternative. In order to examine how changing microwave power and sample size affects microwave heating, a numerical model is constructed here that considers electromagnetic and heat transmission. The simulation findings demonstrate that a silicon carbide (SiC) susceptor and microwave aid can be used to treat the soil in UMT using microwave power. Due to the economic advantages, a 400 W microwave input power adds significantly to thermal heterogeneity. The size of the soil samples is also important since it affects how microwaves heat the soil and how the heat is distributed. The 20 mm in diameter, 10 mm thick soil sample performed the best under the 400 W input power. •A numerical model for microwave heating behavior is built.•Microwave behavior of covered soil from uranium mill tailings is researched.•The influence factors on microwave heating behavior are discussed.