Disposal of transuranic solid waste using Atomics International Molten Salt Combustion Process

The Atomics International Molten Salt Combustion Process for disposal of transuranic solid waste utilizes a molten salt to combust organic materials, to trap inorganic substances including transuranics, and to react chemically with acidic gases formed during combustion. Subsequent processing of the melt in an aqueous system produces three products: (1) ash, which includes the transuranics, (2) salt, which is recycled to the combustor, and (3) solid sodium chloride for disposal. The transuranics are readily leached from the ash and separated via ion exchange techniques. The leached ash is the second solid process product requiring disposal. No liquid wastes are produced in the process. The reductions in weight and volume are 82 and 98 percent respectively, if one considers the products from the process only. (U.S.)