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Optimization of Lanthanide Borosilicate Frit Compositions forthe Immobilization of Actinides Using a Plackett-Burman/Simplex AlgorithmDesign

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 September 2012

M. G. Mesko ,
T. F. Meaker ,
W. G. Ramsey ,
J. C. Marra  and
D. K. Peeler
M. G. Mesko
Affiliation:
University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 65401 mesko@umr.edu
T. F. Meaker
Affiliation:
University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 65401 mesko@umr.edu
W. G. Ramsey
Affiliation:
University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 65401 mesko@umr.edu
J. C. Marra
Affiliation:
Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken SC 29808
D. K. Peeler
Affiliation:
Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken SC 29808
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Abstract

Immobilization by vitrification is one potential disposition option for aportion of the United States' excess plutonium inventory. Research has beenperformed at the Savannah River Site (SRS) to determine the optimumcomposition of a lanthanide borosilicate frit for the vitrification ofplutonium using a Plackett-Burman design and simplex algorithm as astatistical tool. This technique uses various response variables to rank andoptimize a composition. The variables used in this study correspond tohomogeneity, durability, actinide solubility and devitrification afterheat-treatment.

The optimized frit composition was determined using a constant ThO2 loading of 20 wt%. No noticeable trends were followedwith respect to the individual components which may indicate a relativelyrobust system able to accommodate variations in the feed.

Batches containing various loadings of ThO2 were melted todetermine if actinide solubility was improved in the optimized compositioncompared to that of a similar lanthanide borosilicate glass. No noticeableimprovement in ThO2 solubility was realized as a result of usingthis optimization technique.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 465: Symposium II – Scienfific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XX , 1996 , 105
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1997

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References

REFERENCES

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