Independent technical paper. The summary below is provided for reference and search. Full bibliographic details are in the citation at the foot of this page.
01 Overview
Argonne National Laboratory-East began production-scale testing of a low-level and radioactive mixed waste solidification system used to treat waste to meet land burial requirements. The system integrates commercial equipment around a double planetary change-can mixer: mixing blades are inserted into a 208-liter drum and actuated while solidification media is added, then retracted so the waste solidifies in its original container. The system can use several media, including a chemically bonded phosphate ceramic developed by ANL-E and commercial agents, and incorporates process-control features to ensure proper treatment.
02 Why this study matters
- Production scale, not just bench: operational testing of a full treatment system handling ANL-E's routine and legacy waste streams (~215 m³/yr of newly generated waste).
- Solidify in the drum: mixing directly in the 208-liter disposal container avoids transferring treated waste.
- Media-flexible: the same system runs ANL's phosphate ceramic and commercial media such as AQUASET II-H and PETROSET II.
04 Citation
Wescott, J.; Wagh, A.; Singh, D. (Argonne National Laboratory-East); Nelson, R. (Sargent & Lundy); No, H. (H&P, Inc.). Production-Scale LLW & RMW Solidification System Operational Testing at Argonne National Laboratory-East (ANL-E). CONF-970335-41; ANL/EMC/CP-92504. U.S. DOE / OSTI, 1997.