Vitrification of an intermediate level Magnox sludge waste.

Abstract A novel iron containing alkali alkaline earth borosilicate glass has been developed that can vitrify up to 30 wt% (dry weight) of a Magnox sludge waste in a homogeneous wasteform at a melting temperature of 1200 °C. Ce was used as a simulant of the actinide content in the waste. The waste was spiked with 0.5wt% of Cs 2 O of which 90% was retained in the glass. 60% of the Cl was also retained. Mg content limited the waste loading as loadings in excess of 30wt% led to the formation of forsterite and in some cases CeO 2 and MgFe 2 O 4 based spinels. PCT leach testing of the glasses for periods up to 180 days indicated the formation of an amorphous magnesium (alumino-)silicate hydrated layer on the glass surface together with barium rich crystalline precipitates. No Ce was detected in the leachate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]