Application of the iron-enriched basalt waste form for immobilizing commercial transuranic waste

The principal sources of commercial transuranic (TRU) waste in the United States are identified. The physical and chemical nature of the wastes from these sources are discussed. The fabrication technique and properties of iron enriched basalt, a rock-like waste from developd for immobilizing defense TRU wastes, are discussed. The application of iron enriched basalt to commercial TRU wastes is discussed. Commercial TRU wastes from mixed oxide fuel fabrication, light water reactor fuel reprocessing, and miscellaneous medical, research, and industrial sources are reviewed. These indicate that iron enriched basalt is suitable for most types of commercial TRU wastes. Noncombustible TRU wastes are dissolved in the high temperature, oxidizing iron enriched basalt melt. Combustible TRU wastes are immobilized in iron enriched basalt by incinerating the wastes and adding the TRU bearing ash to the melt. Casting and controlled cooling of the melt produces a devitrified, rock like iron enriched basalt monolith.