Apparatus and method for reducing volume of radioactive wast e

摘要

An apparatus is described for reducing the volume of a waste which is contaminated with a radioactive component. The apparatus includes a molten metal bath within a vessel for receiving a waste which is contaminated with the radioactive component. The molten metal bath is suitable for dissolving at least a portion of the radioactive component of the waste and for causing a nonradioactive portion of the waste to volatilize and migrate out of the molten metal bath to form a gaseous stream. A separator, such as a condenser, is located above the molten metal bath within the vessel. The condenser, for example, separates at least a portion of a volatilized radioactive component of the gaseous stream, whereby radioactive contamination of the gaseous stream is reduced and subsequent discharge of the gaseous stream from the vessel reduces the volume of the radioactive waste within the vessel.