Vitrification of simulator of high-level Na-, Fe-, and Al-containing waste in a cold crucible, and the product properties

Parameters of the process of vitrification of simulator of the slurry of high-level Na-, Fe, and Alcontaining waste (made in the plant in Savannah River, USA) in the presence of lithium borosilicate frits by the method of induction melting in a cold crucible are determined. With the help of X-ray diffraction analysis, optical and electron microscopy, and IR spectroscopy, phase composition of the glassy material obtained is investigated. All the samples cut from different parts of the ingot are composed of U-containing glassy phase and the crystals of spinel. A tendency to enrichment of the lower zone of the ingot with heavier ions of transition and heavy metals as well as its depletion with oxides of lighter elements (Na, Cs, Ca, Al, Si) is observed.