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Optimization of Lanthanide Borosilicate Frit Compositions for the Immobilization of Actinides Using a Plackett-Burman/Simplex Algorithm Design

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 65401mesko@umr.edu
T. F. Meaker
Affiliation:
University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 65401mesko@umr.edu
W. G. Ramsey
Affiliation:
University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 65401mesko@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 a portion of the United States' excess plutonium inventory. Research has been performed at the Savannah River Site (SRS) to determine the optimum composition of a lanthanide borosilicate frit for the vitrification of plutonium using a Plackett-Burman design and simplex algorithm as a statistical tool. This technique uses various response variables to rank and optimize a composition. The variables used in this study correspond to homogeneity, durability, actinide solubility and devitrification after heat-treatment.

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

Batches containing various loadings of ThO2 were melted to determine if actinide solubility was improved in the optimized composition compared to that of a similar lanthanide borosilicate glass. No noticeable improvement in ThO2 solubility was realized as a result of using this optimization technique.

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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