Glass Melter Assembly for the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant

by Arthur E. Chen, Wastechem Corp, Irvine, United States,
Alan Russell, Wastechem Corp, Irvine, United States,
K. R. Shah, Wastechem Corp, Irvine, United States,
J. Kalia, Wastechem Corp, Irvine, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: High Level Radioactive Waste Management 1993

Abstract:

The Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant (HWVP) is designed to solidify high level radioactive waste by converting it into stable borosilicate glass after mixing with glass frit and water. The heart of this conversion process takes place in the glass melter. The life span of the existing melter is limited by the possible premature failure of the heater assembly, which is not remotely replaceable, in the riser and pour spout. It is a goal of HWVP Project to design remotely replaceable riser and pour spout heaters so that the useful life of the melter can be prolonged. The riser pour spout area is accessible only by the canyon crane and impact wrench. It is also congested with supporting frame members, service piping, electrode terminals, canister positioning arm and other various melter components. The visibility is low and the accessibility is limited. The problem is further compounded by the extreme high temperature in the riser core and the electrical conductive nature of the molten glass that flows through it.

Subject Headings: Glass | Radioactive wastes | Heat treatment | Waste treatment plants | Solid wastes | Construction wastes | Waste disposal

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