Selected transuranic waste immobilization systems

Waste contaminated with transuranic (TRU) elements may require immobilization prior to final disposal. Pacific Northwest Laboratory has conducted research and development to identify and characterize the wastes; to evaluate the possible immobilization requirements and treatment alternatives; and to develop immobilization process technologies. This paper describes systems that are anticipated to be capable of immobilizing a selected TRU waste stream consisting of a blend of process sludge and incinerator ash. The selected waste streams are based on the waste compositions generated at the Rocky Flats Plant, Golden, Colorado. The specific waste forms and processes considered are identified in Table 1. Summary results of leach testing of the immobilized waste forms is provided for comparison. This information along with the processing considerations identify the major advantages and disadvantages of each system. The evaluation of these considerations suggests the implementation for cement or glass system with preference to the cast cement system because of its process simplicity