A pilot scale vitrification test for LILW Using an induction cold crucible melter

In Korea, there was a necessity of the study for a development of a treatment technology for low-and intermediate-level wastes(LILW) to be converted to a solid stabilized waste form for permanent disposal. NETEC has tested to vitrify LILW with a pilot scale vitrification facility which is composed of an induction cold crucible melter(CCM) and an off-gas treatment system. Surrogates for LILW, i. e., ion exchange resin(IER), Zeolite and dry active waste(DAW), were vitrified in order to simulate the behavior of a commercial vitrification facility as closely as possible and also to produce the design parameters and design options for the commercial facility. The process ability and product quality were evaluated at the optimized glass temperature, waste feed rate, waste mixing ratio, excess oxygen, and bubbling method. IER and DAW were simultaneously fed and vitrified in the induction CCM. The mixed waste was easily vitrified at a rate of 18 kg per hour at the optimized condition. Glass samples were analyzed for their properties. The physical and chemical durabilities of the produced glass were significantly higher than the regulation limits. Stack release concentrations of the toxic gases were far below than regulation. The pilot scale vitrification test using simulated IER, Zeolite and DAW has demonstrated its good workability, reliability, and high productivity