IMPROVED SOLIDIFICATION OF AQUEOUS RADIOACTIVE WASTE USING INSOLUBLE COMPOUNDS OF MAGNESIUM OXIDE

摘要

Firm gel structures are formed from hot aqueous radioactive waste solutions containing boric acid by adding powdered magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide followed by addition of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. Cement may be introduced after addition of the magnesium compound without interfering with subsequent gel reactions. Product rigidity imparted by the gel enables reduction of typical cement usage up to 50% or more in the processing of radioactive boric acid concentrates. This results in more waste being solidified per container, less exothermic heat generation, greater shipping efficiency, and improved resistance to aqueous leaching of radionuclides.