Hanford low-activity waste vitrification: A review

This paper summarizes the vast body of literature (over 200 documents) related to vitrification of the low-activity waste (LAW) fraction of the Hanford tank wastes. Details are provided on the origins of the Hanford tank wastes that resulted from nuclear operations conducted between 1944 and 1989 to support nuclear weapons production. Waste treatment processes are described, including the baseline process to separate the tank waste into LAW and high-level waste fractions, and the LAW vitrification facility being started at Hanford. Significant focus is placed on the glass composition development and the property-composition relationships for Hanford LAW glasses. Glass disposal plans and criteria for minimizing long-term environmental impacts are discussed along with research perspectives. [Display omitted] •The worlds largest nuclear waste treatment plant is starting operation in 2024.•Over 20 years of effort has led to the technology to treat the mixed hazardous-radioactive waste stored in Hanford tanks.•This review summarizes over 230 documents that tell the story of technology development and optimization for the plant.