Method for qualification of cementation processes and its application to a vibration mixer

In this paper the definition of homogeneneity is discussed and methods to measure the 'degree of heterogeneity' of waste forms are proposed. These measurements are important as aids for mixing process qualification, and as tools in quality assurance procedures and in the development of waste management standards. Homogeneity is a basic quality requirement for waste forms to be accepted in final sites. It do not depend on the matrix immmobilization, rather it is one mean for qualification of the immobilization process. The proposed methods were applied to a vibration assisted mixing process and has proved to an useful mean to judge process improvements. There are many conceivable methods to evaluate homogeneity of waste forms. Some were selected as screening tests aiming at quickly reaching a promising set of process variables. Others were selected to evaluate the degree of excellence of the process in respect to product quality. These envisaged methods were: visual inspection, the use of cement dye as tracer, scanning of radioactive tracers, and measurements of variations of density, water absorption, porosity and mechanical strength across the waste form sample. The process variables were: waste-cement and water-cement ratios, mixer geometry, mixing time and vibration intensity. Some of the apparatus details were change during the experimental work in order to improve product quality. Experimental methods and results statistically analysed and compared with data obtained from samples prepared with a planetary paddle mixer, which were adopted as the homogeneity standard. (Author)