Development of the Harwell design Joule-heated Ceramic Melter and first trials of a one third linear scale unit

This report gives details of the Harwell design of Joule-heated Ceramic Melter (JCM); the cold physical modelling used to aid the design process; the construction and commissioning of a one third linear scale JCM and the results of the first trials carried out with this equipment. Operation of the melter with calcined simulated Magnox and Oxide Fuel wastes has been successful and the novel design features have been proved. In the light of the experience gained, modifications that should be made to the full scale unit are identified. (author)