| 摘要 |
<p>Method and means for solidifying nuclear waste for permanent disposal are disclosed. A storage container, in the preferred form of a drum or barrel, is charged with a predetermined amount of liquid polymer resin in an uncatalyzed state. Catalyst-containing frangible ampoules are also positioned in the drum with a rotatable mixer mechanism. At a waste filling station, the mixer is rotated to break the ampoules so as to mix the catalyst and the resin. The catalyzed resin is then mixed with added waste material to completely encapsulate the waste prior to solidification of the resin. Monitoring of the filling and mixing process is provided by continually sensing the torque force being applied to the rotating mixer mechanism. Where the waste is a dust-like, dry particulate material, dust control means and method are also provided. The supply of waste passes through a downwardly extending conduit (34) and through a valve (36) (Figs. 10 to 13). The valve (36) includes a housing (161, 162) defining a pressurised chamber (164). First and second fixed valve members (166,.167) include inlet and outlet passages (171, 174). A movable valve member (168) is mounted in sliding sealing engagement between the fixed valve members (166, 167) and includes a passage (177) to either open or close communication between the passages (171, 174) upon movement of valve member (168). The fixed valve member (167) includes purging openings (192) which communicate with the passage (177) as the valve member (168) is moved to open the valve. In use air under pressure is supplied to the chamber (164) and passes through the purging openings to purge the valve (36) and ensure that the radioactive waste does not leak from the valve. The valve members (166, 7, 8) are urged into sealing engagement by springs (178) and a bellows type seals (186, 7) provide a connection between conduit (34) and the valve (36) which allows limited relative movement of the conduit and the valve.</p> |
