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Treatment of nuclear sludge

  • US 8,404,919 B2
  • Filed: 09/19/2007
  • Issued: 03/26/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2007
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for treating nuclear sludge comprising subjecting the nuclear sludge to a plasma treatment in a plasma chamber, in the presence of an oxidant, to melt at least some of the inorganic components of the sludge, wherein the plasma chamber comprises a crucible having a cooled inner surface, this surface cooled sufficiently such that the inorganic components in contact with the inner surface are in a solid state and form a barrier between the part of surface of the crucible with which they are in contact and the molten inorganic components of the sludge;

  • wherein the plasma chamber comprises two graphite electrodes; and

    wherein the electrodes are operated in one or both of;

    (i) a first mode in which an electric arc is passed between the electrodes above the level of the nuclear sludge (remotely coupled);

    or(ii) a second mode in which an electric arc is passed between the electrodes through the inorganic components of the sludge (transferred).

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