Experience with a joule heated ceramic melter while converting simulated high-level waste to glass

Development of a joule heated ceramic melter, sponsored by the Energy Research and Development Administration, has been progressing for nearly three years. In January 1975, a ceramic lined, direct joule heated glass melter was started up and operated continuously for nearly eleven months. During this period, process testing was completed both while feeding simulated high-level waste calcine and while feeding simulated high-level liquid waste. While feeding waste calcine and frit, the unit was demonstrated at a production rate in excess of 45 kilograms of glass per hour, which meets the needs of a reference 5 MTU per day reprocessing plant. When fed the simulated liquid waste and frit slurry, a process rate of 25 liters per hour was demonstrated. This is equivalent to the requirements of a 1.6 MTU per day reprocessing plant. Evaluation of the melter after 10.8 months of operation suggests that a melter life in excess of two years is likely. The operation of the engineering-scale ceramic melter has been encouraging. The high capacity of the melter with the capability for direct liquid feeding and a long operating life suggests that a joule heated ceramic melter will play a major role in future waste solidification processes