Method and device for vitrifying radioactive wastes

Purpose: To restrain the occurrence of cracks and generation of secondary wastes by avoiding hazardous operation in the vitrification of radioactive wastes coming out from nuclear power plants. Method: An auxiliary, such as clay, the main component of which is SiO is mixed with radioactive wastes. This mixture, after drying, is placed in a melting vessel which serves also as a container, vitrified by directly energizing within the container, and then set by annealing as it is. The processing device comprises spare heating elements, a container cover having a radioactive wastes supply tube, and a detachable melting vessel serving also as a container for melting solid mixture. According to the method, such a dangerous operation as pouring the radioactive molten glass into the container is not required; there will never occur a therma shock; and furthermore there come out little secondary wastes. Since this operation is accomplished in a safe, hermetically sealed system, the occurrence of a fire by radioactive contamination and molten glass can easily be prevented. (Kawakami, Y.)