A single-step plasma arc-vitreous ceramic (PAVC) process is described for
converting spent nuclear fuel (SNF), SNF sludges, and associated wastes into
a vitreous ceramic waste form. This proposed technology is built on
extensive experience of nuclear waste form development and nuclear waste
treatment using the commercially available plasma arc centrifugal (PAC)
system. SNF elements will be loaded directly into a PAC furnace with minimum
additives and converted into vitreous ceramics with up to 90 wt% waste
loading. The vitreous ceramic waste form should meet the functional
requirements for borosilicate glasses for permanent disposal in a geologic
repository and for interim storage. Criticality safety would be ensured
through the use of “batch” modes, and controlling the amount of fuel
processed in one batch. The minimum requirements on SNF characterization and
pretreatment, the one-step process, and minimum secondary waste generation
may reduce treatment duration, radiation exposure, and treatment cost.