DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF THE CONVERSION/SOLIDIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE CEUSP PROJECT.

R. Hall, E. D. Collins, J. K. Johnson, A. M. Krichinsky, C. P. McGinnis, B. D. Patton, J. T. Shor, R. J. Vedder

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

A uranium nitrate solution from reprocessing irradiated nuclear fuel of the Atomic Energy Commission was solidified for safe long-term storage by the Consolidated Edison Uranium Solidification Program (CEUSP). The key process steps of the program includes the following: (1) a batch evaporation to concentrate the uranium-cadmium-gadolinium nitrate solution to slightly less than the saturation concentration; (2) the use of formaldehyde in the evaporator to destroy nitric acid so that crystallization of the nitrate salts due to supersaturation would not occur; (3) the use of an in-situ thermal denitration process to convert uranium, cadmium, and gadolinium to the oxide form inside the storage cans; (4) the use of remotely operated equipment to weld lids onto the storage cans; (5) encapsulation of each can within a crimp-sealed, secondary containment canister; and (6) transfer of the finished packages to a shielded storage well.

Original languageEnglish
StatePublished - 1987

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