Study on plasma torch melter for disposal of decommissioning waste - 000059

KHNP-CRI is developing plasma torch melter (PTM) technology to treat non-combustible waste such as metal, concrete and soil from decommissioning process. The PTM facility consists of MW class plasma torch, melter and off-gas treatment equipment. Two types of plasma torches, a button type and a multi-electrode type have been developed, they generate a maximum output power of 1.5 MW. The button type torch, that has a tungsten rear-electrode and a copper front-electrode can operate up to 2000 A for nitrogen plasma while the multi-electrode torch has both electrodes in copper and can operate only up to 500 A. In order to ensure the integrity of the refractories, the melter was installed on site without refractories. After the site installation was completed, refractories were built inside the melter. Finally, the refractories were heated and dried to finish the installation. The PTM throughput is to process 250 kg of waste per hour.