DE69919839T2 - Separator for nuclear waste - Google Patents

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

The The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for processing from nuclear waste. In particular, the present invention relates on systems and procedures, the nuclear waste for a separate treatment and disposal appropriate to the particular level of radioactivity in high radioactive waste, low radioactive waste and not separate radioactive waste. The present invention is suitable especially, but not exclusively, as a system and method for segregation separation of nuclear waste after single atoms.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

It there is an almost worldwide convention, that nuclear waste is a global problem of immense proportions. The exact extent and the possible ones Despite this awareness, the consequences of the problem are still not clearly outlined and not fully understood by the public. However, everyone agrees that something needs to be done. The Problem is due to the fact that it has not been completely acceptable solution for disposal of nuclear waste, further complicates. In other words, the The costs and risks are usually not associated with this acceptable. Move with the use of traditional technologies the costs for the treatment of nuclear waste alone in this country in astronomical Height.

At present becomes Nuclear waste everywhere in the world in hundreds, and possibly in thousands, of containers stored at various locations. You can simply imagine the entire volume of this nuclear waste, though you realize that a container alone about so can grab 3.78 million liters of nuclear waste. It is obvious, that the nuclear waste volume is enormous, a special disposal requires. The problem is further explained by the fact Complicates that a significant proportion of nuclear waste as highly radioactive waste, which is a special treatment and extraordinary Safety precautions needed.

A the procedural forms for the nuclear waste disposal, a certain degree of acceptance among those who have dealt with the treatment of nuclear waste employ, involves a process known as vitrification or glazing is. In a vitrification process, the nuclear waste is disposed of for subsequent disposal absorbed in glass and trapped. The current glazing process but encounter at least two major difficulties. The most significant problem, first, is that it is in current practice no way gives to high-level radioactive waste, which is a special Treatment requires, and low-level radioactive waste on one rather conventional Can be disposed of in a different way. As a result, each one will When high level radioactive waste is involved, the total nuclear waste volume, that is both highly radioactive and weakly radioactive Waste includes, treated the same way. As already mentioned above, the total volume of this waste is huge. The second difficulty is that due to the large volume of waste, the highly radioactive waste must be handled, decades for the accomplishment of its treatment and disposal are required.

Now but do the radionuclides that make the waste radioactive, only about 0.001% of the total volume of nuclear waste. As in the present invention, the treatment and the Disposal of the radioactive components are greatly simplified, if the radionuclides from the non-radioactive components of the nuclear waste somehow would be separated.

The U.S. Patent Application 5681434 (Eastlund) discloses the use of a plasma confinement by toroidal Magnetic fields and separation separation of ionized elements of a complex substance, such as radioactive waste, at disposal levels in security containers.

In Considering the above, it is an objective of the present Invention, a system and method for treating nuclear waste provide the radionuclides from the non-radioactive Separates and separates elements in the waste. Another goal of The present invention is the provision of a system and a process for the treatment of nuclear waste, the highly concentrated Radionuclides for the subsequent one Disposal effectively glazed. Another object of the present invention is the provision of a system and a method for processing from nuclear waste, for that a continuous in-line method is used which requires a minimum handling of the material. One more thing The aim of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for the processing of nuclear waste, which is relatively easy to produce, easy to use and relatively cost efficient.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A system as in claims 1-15 a method as set forth in claims 16-24, an apparatus as set forth in claims 25-28 and an apparatus as set forth in claims 29-33, and a method for extracting radionuclides from radioactive waste based on the General Statement, that radionuclides in the waste are elements which have relatively high atomic weights (eg A ≥ 70). On the basis of this premise, radioactive waste according to the present invention is first vaporized and then ionized to produce a multispecies plasma. Due to the fact that the components of the nuclear waste may not be known, it is believed that the resulting multispecies plasma includes electrons, light ions (eg A <70) and heavy ions (eg A ≥ 70). The multispecies plasma is then accelerated to produce a fluid flow in which the light ions and the heavy ions all have substantially the same velocity. Once the fluid flow is generated at a uniform rate, the particles in the stream are slowed and diverged according to their respective inertia. The separated heavy ions are then collected for subsequent disposal and vitrified. The particularities of the methods involved in the present invention are best understood by considering the various system components.

Overview For example, the present invention is an in-line system for continuous processing of radioactive waste, which successively has a loading / transport facility, a plasma processor, a nozzle, an inertial separator and a collection / disposal subsystem includes. A device as set forth in claims 25-28 comprises a plasma processor, a nozzle and an inertial separator and may also have facilities for have the capture of light and heavy ions. A like in the claims 29 - 33 executed Device comprises a nozzle and an inertial separator and may further include a facility for the evaporation of the waste and the generation of a multi-species plasma and facilities for the Contain light and heavy ions. For the present invention be the evaporation and ionization of radioactive waste according to known Practices performed in a plasma processor in a high vacuum environment. These High vacuum environment (i.e., an environment under very low pressure) is in the range of a few microbars (for example 2 - 5 μbar). Around The procedure to start is the transfer of radioactive waste into the high vacuum environment of the plasma processor from the loading / transport area of the system.

Of the Loading / transporting area of the system for the present invention includes a substantially hollow U-shaped Tube. Explained more precisely, is one end of the U-shaped tube (the first end) atmospheric Conditions exposed to the other end (the second end) exposed to the high vacuum environment of the plasma processor. Further is the pipe itself with a liquid Transport medium, such as octoil, filled, whereby the arrangement works like a pressure gauge. During the Operation becomes a container with radioactive waste down through an opening in the first end of the pipe and left in the transport medium. The container then passes through the Leg of the tube (the first leg) in the transport medium down. After that, the container becomes from a series of rollers through the base portion of the U-shaped tube transported by the transport medium. After it has passed through the base section, a lifting device promotes the container through the other leg (the second leg) of the U-shaped tube up. By this increase by the lifting device is the filled with waste Container off out of the transport medium and into the high-vacuum environment. Of the container is then on a series of rolls by a pipe run or Shaft moves, what him for the subsequent one Processing in position in the plasma processor. In addition, can the nuclear waste container during the promotion of the container through the loading / transporting area of the system from a punching tool be perforated. This puncturing action sets gases of the volatile Materials contained in the waste (hereinafter generally as "volatile components"), free and makes it possible to catch them and for the subsequent one Use in the plasma processor in a volatile storage tank to keep.

at The plasma processor of the present invention is in Essentially around a hollow tube that has two open ends. One these ends are in fluid communication with the shaft of the loading / transporting device, and the other end is in fluid communication with the nozzle. Between the shaft and the nozzle a part of the plasma processor tube is set up as a plasma chamber, the one substantially cylindrical, dielectric portion includes, which is arranged between two stainless steel cylinders. A radio frequency (RF) antenna is around the dielectric section of the plasma chamber arranged around, and a magnetic coil is both around the RF antenna as well as around the plasma processor along the full length of the plasma processor tube arranged. As for The present invention is intended to direct the magnetic coil an axially aligned magnetic field in the plasma processor tube, which passes through the plasma processor and a field strength of about one tenth of Tesla (~ 0.1 T).

During the Operating the plasma processor, a vacuum is applied to the high vacuum environment in the plasma processor. As indicated above, this indicates High vacuum environment a pressure of only a few μBar. The RF antenna is going then activated with a frequency that is approximately in the range of two to twenty megahertz (2 - 20 MHz) and has a capacity of about 7 megawatts (7 MW). If the RF antenna activated, become volatile Components released from the storage tank into the plasma chamber, where they are ionized by the radiation from the RF antenna. The resulting, volatile Ions move along the magnetic field lines of the solenoid are generated, and are thereby steered so that she is in contact with the waste container come. As a reminder, the waste bin was previously through the shaft the loading / transport device moved and positioned at one end of the plasma processor tube. If it is with the waste container comes in contact, lets the heat of the plasma the tank and effectively evaporate its waste content. The resulting waste vapors migrate then back into the plasma chamber, where they are also ionized. This generates a multispecies plasma that has electrons (negative ions) and positive ones Ions of all elements contains who were in the garbage. Although you are aware of that should be that there are so many types of positive ions as Elements are present in the waste, it is for the disclosure of the present Invention appropriate, the positive Generally divide ions into "light ions" or "heavy ions" according to their atomic weight. For the purpose the discussion is an atomic weight of about seventy as the boundary between light Considered ions and heavy ions. Of course, this only serves the purpose of the disclosure and may be in actual practice as needed be varied.

If a density is reached at which the ions in the multispecies plasma collide in the plasma chamber (hereinafter referred to as "collision density") the nozzle activated to accelerate the particles of the multispecies plasma in to start a fluid flow. It is important to note that due the collision density of the multispecies plasma all positive ion particles in Fluid flow (light ions as well as heavy ions) substantially have the same speed. The nozzle is, like the plasma processor, designed essentially as a hollow tube. Explained in more detail is a conical, funnel-shaped nozzle section present, which is connected to the plasma processor, and the outside of the plasma processor in the downstream direction will continue. This extension causes an expansion and a consequent acceleration of the multispecies plasma, when the plasma leaves the plasma processor through the nozzle. When exiting the nozzle is the fluid flow from plasma particles is directed to the inertial separator.

Of the inertial in the system of the present invention includes a pair of opposing, essentially parallel metal walls and a pair of opposing ones in the Essentially parallel non-conductive walls. These walls are each connected so that they are generally square forming a shaped channel. One end of the channel is with a non-conductive faceplate covered, and the open end of the channel, the end, that of the face plate across from is oriented so that it accelerates the fluid flow from the plasma processor into the channel. A variable resistance element is connected between the parallel metal walls of the separator, where a magnetic field is set up in the channel, the general parallel to the metal walls and perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid flow from the nozzle of the plasma processor. A variety of baffles (at least two) is formed in one of the non-conducting walls of the separator and arranged in one direction from the open end of the channel runs to the face plate.

During the Operation is the fluid flow of multispecies plasma from the nozzle of the plasma processor into the channel of the inertial separator directed. When this current enters the separator, the electrons become in the flow of the magnetic field in the channel effective against entry blocked in the channel. In contrast, the heavier positive form Ions continue due to their inertia a stream and enter the chamber. While the positive ions the Pass through chamber through the magnetic field, however, is an electromotive Force generated, which is opposite to the movement of the ions. These Electromotive force controlled by the resistance element can, slows down the positive ions and causes them to go out fall out of the stream. It is important that the positive ions depend on their respective atomic weight at different rates slowed down become. Specifically, the slower rate for the lighter ions is greater and for the heavier ones Lower ions. Consequently, the lighter ions (light ions) fall first out of the stream while the heavier ions (heavy ions) last fall out. by virtue of the arrangement of the baffles can Ions, which generally have the same atomic weight, in corresponding baffles collected and thereby divorced from ions of different atomic weight become.

The final part of the system of the present invention includes a plurality of collector / disposer subsystems that include ions take and process after being separated from the inertial separator and divorced. As intended for the present invention, each baffle in the inertial separator delivers ions into a connected collector / disposal subsystem. Thus, there may be as many collector / disposal subsystems as there are baffles in the inertial separator. However, for purposes of discussion, only one of these subsystems needs to be described. In particular, as a described subsystem, the collector / disposal subsystem to be considered, which processes the radioactive heavy ions.

each Collector / Disposal Subsystem of the present invention includes three separate and distinct components. Although the general purpose of each component is to be a part of Icing ions that are trapped by the attached baffle Each component works a bit differently. In general can divided the three components (glaziers) according to their operating pressures become. The first component of the collector / disposal subsystem is working in the high vacuum environment of the system and includes a U-shaped manometer-like tube one filled with glass melt is. One end of the manometer tube is exposed to the atmosphere while the other end directly with the baffle in the high vacuum environment connected is. Accordingly, all ions passing through the baffle go first, the low pressure surface of the Glass melt exposed in the manometer structure. In this stadium the procedure becomes the big one Majority of radioactive heavy ions glazed. The glazed heavy ions are then removed from the manometer siphon and go through a buffing tower [Shot Tower] where they converted into glass beads and for the further disposal are collected in a container. The remaining ions, those that reunite into a gaseous phase, instead of being absorbed in the molten glass, and those from for whatever reason - not absorbed into the second component of the collector / Entsorgungsersubsystems.

Different as the first component of the collector / disposal subsystem, the second component operates at atmospheric pressure. It contains but also a glass melting tank and acts essentially as a glazier, as the first component. Furthermore, one supports acoustic barrier the glazing process in this second component Removing particles from the gas stream according to the principles of Oseen's effects. When these particles are removed from the stream, they become in deposited the tank so that they are absorbed by the molten glass. Again, the glazed ions, as in the first component of the Fall was siphoned by a bailing tower, where they were in glass beads converted and for the further disposal are collected in a container.

In the third component of the collector / disposal subsystem is the gases, which were not vitrified in the second component, under increased pressure pumped into a glass melt and bubbled. The gases become captured in the glass melt in this way and transported out of the system. To move the heavy elements into the identifiable areas of the molten glass to narrow down, are not heavy at regular intervals Elements bubbled into the molten glass. When the glass melt is cooled before leaving the system, so are clear Areas exist that contain no heavy elements. The glass can then be cut in the clear areas to the Waste in pieces to separate from one size which can be handled more easily.

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

The novel, characterizing features of this invention as well the invention itself - both as far as their structure and their implementation are concerned with reference to the accompanying description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings best understood, in which comparable reference numerals like Denote constituents, and wherein:

1 Figure 4 is a perspective view of the system of the present invention showing how the various system components are interconnected, with areas divided for clarity and areas shown with a phantom line.

2 Figure 11 is a perspective view of a system grouping used for the disposal of the radioactive waste according to the present invention.

3 Figure 11 is a perspective view of the system loader / transporter with portions divided for clarity.

4 Figure 12 is a perspective view of the system's plasma processor with regions separated for clarity.

5 is a perspective view of the nozzle of the system.

6 is a perspective view of the inertial separator of the system with areas, which for reasons of clarity are indicated by a phantom line; and

7 FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the system's collector / disposer subsystem with areas divided for clarity and areas shown with a phantom line. FIG.

DESCRIPTION THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference first to 1 is generally one with 10 designated system module according to the present invention. As illustrated, the system module contains 10 multiple components that are interconnected to form a continuous in-line processing system. These components include a loader / transporter 12 , a plasma processor 14 , a magnetic nozzle 16 , an inertial separator 18 and a collection / disposal facility 20 one. As a general indication of how the system module 10 could be used in 1 a possible location for the ground level 22 shown. Accordingly, a part of the system module 10 above the ground level 22 and part of it can be below ground level 22 are located. Furthermore, as in 2 a variety of up to about ten system modules 10 to a unity 24 be summarized (the in 1 illustrated system modules 10 . 10a and 10b are examples). Also, depending on the amount of the desired waste treatment several units 24 at a plant site 26 be set up together.

In 3 is shown that the loading / transport device 12 an entrance vestibule 28 for picking up a nuclear waste container 32 having. As assumed for the present invention, the container becomes 32 typically a 50 gallon standard drum of a type well known in the industry. Furthermore, as already stated, it is not necessary to know which content or components of the nuclear waste currently exist in the container 32 available. In any case, the container will 32 through the entrance vestibule 28 in a vertical thigh 34 which is most likely underground and has a generally round cross-section around the container 32 take. The loading / transport device 12 also has a horizontal passage 36 on, the one end 38 having that with the lower end of the vertical leg 34 connected is. So is the other end 40 of the horizontal passage 36 with the lower end of another vertical leg 42 connected. Together form the vertical thigh 34 , the horizontal passage 36 and the vertical leg 42 a substantially U-shaped tube.

Going into more detail, the horizontal passage points 36 the loading / transport device 12 a substantially rectangular cross section. This is for the purpose of avoiding the container 32 must be tilted, and the container 32 This is recorded while moving horizontally through the passage 36 running. In addition, the bottom of the passage 36 a variety of stainless steel rolls 44 exhibit, and the passage 36 may be inclined at an angle α to the horizontal to the transport of the container 32 through the passage 36 to facilitate. Thus, the container 32 actually under the influence of gravity the passage 36 traverse. In the event that the container 32 however in the passage 36 "gets stuck" is a magnetic transport aid 46 provided to help under the influence of a magnetic field, the container 32 through the passage 36 to transport.

In 3 is also shown that the loading / transport device 12 a punching tool 48 includes, at or near the end 40 of the horizontal passage 36 is arranged. The purpose of this hole tool 48 is it, the container 32 to puncture and thereby release gases from any volatile materials contained in the nuclear waste container 32 are included. As indicated above, the exact contents of the container 32 not necessarily known. Therefore, no accurate identification of the volatile materials that are in the container 32 Instead, the general designation of these materials as "volatiles" should be sufficient for the purposes of this disclosure. In any case, as intended for the present invention, the volatile gases coming from the container 32 be released when it comes from the punch tool 48 is dotted for subsequent use in a storage tank 50 to be collected.

3 also shows that the vertical leg 42 the loading / transport device 12 a lifting device 52 which serves to the container 32 from the horizontal passage 36 lift. Further shows 3 that the thighs 34 . 42 and the horizontal passage 36 the loading / transport device 12 in each case at least to a certain extent with a transport medium 54 are filled. In general, the transport medium 54 Any suitable liquid can be used as a pressure gauge for the purpose of the system 10 can work. Preferably, the transport medium 54 however, a low vapor pressure oil that promotes high vacuum, such as octoile or its equivalent. For the purposes of the present invention, the inlet-side upper area 56 the transport medium 54 an atmospheric pressure, while the vacuum-side surface 58 the transport medium 54 has a pressure of only a few microbars.

As in 3 shown, the container 32 ' from the lifting device 52 through the transport medium 54 in a shaft 60 lifted. In a construction, the horizontal passage 36 is similar, the shaft points 60 a substantially rectangular cross section. Also contains the bottom of the shaft 60 stainless steel rollers 62 and is inclined at an angle θ to the transport of the container 32 to allow through the shaft under the influence of gravity. As well as the horizontal passage 36 is the shaft 60 with a magnetic transport aid 64 equipped in the event that the container 32 when passing through the shaft 60 additional help needed. After the container 32 through the loading / transport device 12 has been transported, it is located at the inlet point 66 as for a container 32 '' shown. At this point you should look through the synopsis of 3 and 4 make it clear that the end 68 the loading / transport device 12 in close fluid communication with the end 70 of the plasma processor 14 stands.

The in 4 represented plasma processor 14 is shaped overall as a hollow tube, which is a plasma chamber 72 and a knee section 74 includes. As shown, the knee section 74 the connection between the plasma chamber 72 and the introductory office 66 the loading / transport device 12 , Closer is the plasma chamber 72 a central dielectric section 76 one between and coaxial with a stainless steel cylinder 78 and another stainless steel cylinder 80 is arranged. Also, a magnetic radio frequency (RF) dipole antenna 82 around the dielectric section 76 wrapped around, and a magnetic coil 84 is both about the plasma chamber 72 as well as around the knee section 74 of the plasma processor 14 attached around. Preferably, the antenna works 82 about seven megawatts (7 MW) in a frequency range of about two to twenty megahertz (2-20 MHz). Also preferably generates the magnetic coil 84 a magnetic field that extends axially along the plasma chamber 72 and the knee section 74 and has a field strength somewhere in the range of about five hundredths to ten hundredths Tesla (0.05-0.1 T). A suitable power supply as well as the necessary cooling systems for the operation of the antenna 82 and the magnetic coil 84 may be provided in any manner known in the art. In addition, it should be appreciated that a vacuum pump (not shown) of any type known in the art can communicate with the plasma processor 14 functional can be connected to set up and maintain a high vacuum of only a few microbar.

5 shows the magnetic nozzle 16 of the system module 10 , As shown, the nozzle closes 16 a conical section 86 and a cylinder section 88 one. There is also a magnetic coil 90 on the conical section 86 attached. As if by a synopsis of 5 and 1 becomes clear, is the end 92 the nozzle 16 in fluid communication at the end 94 of the plasma processor 14 attached. In this construction, the cross-sectional area of the conical section decreases 86 with the distance from the plasma processor 14 to.

In 6 is shown that the inertial separator 18 of the system 10 with a channel 96 is trained. More precisely, one end of the channel 96 from a non-conductive end plate 98 closed, while the channel 96 even of two essentially parallel metal plates (walls) 100 . 102 and two essentially non-conductive walls (plates) 104 . 106 is limited. An opening 108 in the channel 96 is at the end of the channel 96 opposite the non-conductive face plate 98 provided. It is also for the operation of the inertial separator 18 a magnetic field 110 in the canal 96 established by means known to those skilled in the art. Explained in more detail, assigns the magnetic field 110 a field strength which is preferably about one tenth of a tesla (0.1 T) and the magnetic field 110 is oriented so that it is essentially parallel to the metal plates (walls) 100 . 102 and substantially perpendicular to the non-conductive walls 104 . 106 runs. Furthermore, the inertial separator closes 18 an adjustable resistance element 112 one between the metal plates 100 and 102 is switched, and that a number of baffles 114 which is along the nonconductive wall 106 arranged in one direction, that of the opening 108 to the non-conductive end plate 98 runs. One should know that in 6 shown baffles 114a and 114b merely serve to illustrate, and that more baffles 114 can be used if desired.

In 7 is shown that the collector / disposer device 20 of the system module 10 includes three glazing components. These components can generally be classified according to their operating pressures and from this point of view it is a high vacuum (low pressure) glazier 116 , an atmospheric pressure glazier 118 and a high pressure glazier 120 , Although all three of these components are required to effectively vitrify nuclear waste in the manner contemplated by the present invention, they treat different forms of nuclear waste in different ways. Accordingly, they can be concluded in many ways ne subsystems.

The high vacuum (low pressure) vitrification subsystem 116 closes a stainless steel manometer tube 122 one with a glass melt 124 is filled by external heaters 125 is kept in the molten state. In a conventional manometer-like operation is the end 126 of the pipe 122 exposed to atmospheric pressure while the end 128 of the pipe 122 exposed to the high vacuum environment, the plasma processor 14 has been set up (ie a few μBars). It should be noted here that the end 128 of the high vacuum glazier 116 in fluid communication with a baffle 114 of the inertial separator 18 stands. Consequently, for example, the heavy ions from the multispecies plasma, passing through the baffle 114 be steered into the high vacuum glazier 116 and come in contact with the surface of the molten glass 124 , There are many of them absorbed.

Glazed heavy ions in the molten glass 124 be from the manometer tube 122 through an outlet pipe 130 siphoned. From the outlet pipe 130 they will then pass through a bailing tower 132 and in a rotary valve 134 dropped where they are formed into glass beads. The resulting glass beads of vitrified heavy ions are then placed in a container 136 collected for subsequent disposal. As indicated above, this process extracts a significant portion of the radioactive heavy ions from the nuclear waste. However, some heavy ions remain in the gaseous state for whatever reason. These ions are then passed through a horizontal tube 138 from the high vacuum glazier 116 in the atmospheric pressure glazier 118 transferred.

The heavy ions that are not in the high vacuum glazier 116 are glazed by a compressor 140 and in the atmospheric pressure glazier 118 where they are now neutral vapors exposed to atmospheric pressure. The atmospheric pressure glazier 118 closes, as in 7 represented a tank 142 one with a glass melt 144 is filled. This glazier 118 resembles the glazier 116 very much, inasmuch as he has a bailing tower 146 has the glassy heavy elements in the molten glass 144 on her way to a rotary valve 148 run through. At the rotary valve 148 The glazed heavy ions are formed into glass beads and in a container 150 collected for subsequent disposal. The functioning of the glazier 118 Overall, in a sense, it differs from the glazier's 116 , inasmuch as a sound absorber 152 is used to isolate the particles that may be formed, and for absorption in the molten glass 144 to be removed from the stream. Nevertheless, some of the radioactive gases may still not be vitrified. These gases are then passed through a pipe 154 in the high pressure glazier 120 directed.

The high-pressure glazier 120 closes a compressor 156 one that compresses the gases coming from the atmospheric pressure glazier 118 to thereby raise these gases to pressures above atmospheric pressure. Under these increased pressure loads, the gases pass through the vertical leg 158 to a manifold 160 directed. As in 7 shown, is the manifold 160 essentially with a glass melt 162 filled. Also is a compressor 164 provided the pressure in the airspace 166 to vary, allowing increased pressure loads in the airspace 166 can be generated to the glass melt 162 at preselected transport rates through the manifold 160 to move. According to the movement of the glass melt 162 through the manifold 160 Can the gases from the vertical leg 158 as bubbles 168 into the glass melt 162 be fed.

7 also shows that the high pressure glazier 120 in-line and downstream of the point where the bubbles 168 are generated, a cooling unit containing the glass melt 162 with the bubbles trapped inside 168 solidified, and a detection unit capable of clear glass of glass with bubbles trapped therein 168 to distinguish. Then there is a separator 174 provided to cut through the areas in which clear glass is located to glass cylinder with bubbles caught in it 168 to generate, that of empty areas 176a respectively. 176b are included.

OPERATING PROCEDURE

During operation of the system of the present invention, a container is first 32 , which contains nuclear waste, through the intake vestibule 28 and the thigh 34 the loading / transport device 12 down in the direction of the arrow 178 drained. When this is done completely, the container is 32 in the transport medium 54 submerged. As soon as the container 32 in the horizontal passage 36 is and still in the medium 54 submerged, he rolls along the rollers 44 and the inclined surface at the angle α down to the end 40 of the passage 36 where he from the punching tool 48 is dotted. This will release volatile components from the container 32 then released in the storage tank 50 collected and stored. After the container 32 Dotted, he is from the lifting device 52 through the medium 54 in the direction of the arrow 180 raised. At the upper end of the vertical leg 42 dives the tank ter 32 ' from the transport medium 54 and gets into the shaft 60 , He then rolls on the rollers 62 the inclined surface α of the shaft at an angle α 60 down. The container 32 '' will now be in the shaft 60 at the introductory office 66 positioned. As a reminder: the pressure in the shaft 60 is set up at a high vacuum of only a few μBar before the container 32 at the introductory office 66 arrives. Also before the arrival of the container 32 at the introductory office 66 is the magnetic coil 84 stimulated to work in the plasma processor 14 set up a magnetic field of about 0.1 Tesla. As stated above, this magnetic field is in the plasma processor 14 generally in the with arrows 182 and 184 aligned directions.

As soon as the container 32 at the introductory office 66 is located, the volatile components (ie the volatile gases) from the storage tank 50 into the plasma chamber 72 Released where it came from the RF antenna 82 be ionized. When the volatiles are ionized, they travel along the magnetic lines to the vessel 32 at the introductory office 66 and evaporate the container 32 along with its content. Because the contents of the container 32 While not generally known, the resulting vapors will include many elements. In any case, the vapors return along the magnetic field lines to the plasma chamber 72 back after the container 32 and its contents were evaporated. At this point, the vapors are due to the operation of the RF antenna 82 ionized at the helicon frequency (Whistler mode) to a multispies plasma. In this multisplies plasma, the positive ions are from many different elements. Some of these are radioactive and some are not radioactive. As noted above, the radioactive elements typically have higher atomic weights, and because of this distinction, the "heavy ions" must be separated and separated from the non-radioactive "light ions". Importantly, the density of the multispecies plasma in the plasma chamber 72 is kept at the collision density of the plasma so that both the "heavy ions" and the "light ions" have substantially the same velocity while in the plasma chamber 72 are located.

If the multispecies plasma is the plasma chamber 72 through the magnetic nozzle 16 leaves, the ions in the plasma are uniformly accelerated to a fluid flow in which all ions retain substantially the same velocity. This acceleration is both from the magnet 84 as well as the expansion effect of the conical section 86 causes. This fluid flow is from the nozzle 16 out and to the inertial separator 18 directed in a direction that is generally of the arrow 186 is shown. It should also be noted that the strength of the magnetic field in the nozzle 16 in the direction of the arrow 186 decreases considerably. For example, the field strength at the output of the plasma processor 14 and at the entrance of the nozzle 16 amount to about one thousand gauss. In contrast, the field strength at the outlet of the nozzle 16 and at the entrance of the inertial separator 18 dropped to about ten gauss.

It happens in the inertial separator 18 where the "heavy ions" are separated and separated from the "light ions". For example, the fluid flow of the multispecies plasma meets the magnetic field 110 when he is in the opening 108 of the inertial separator 18 entry. The first perceived effect of the magnetic field 110 is that the electrons in the plasma are effective at entering the channel 96 be prevented. Then the positive ions in the multispecies plasma start due to the magnetic field 110 to slow down. Due to known physical conditions, the lighter ions are slowed down more than the heavier ions. As a result, the heavier ions travel a greater distance than the lighter ions. In fact, the distance traveled by each ion is a direct function of its atomic weight. As a result, the "heavy ions" in the fluid stream are separated and separated from the "light ions". Now, the degree of segregation separation between "heavy ions" and "light ions" can, at least to some degree, be controlled by the adjustable resistive element 112 to be controlled. In the in 6 In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the "heavy ions" move furthest into the channel 96 into and then fall under the guidance of the magnetic field 110 in the baffle 114a , At the same time, the "light ions" travel a shorter distance and also fall under the influence of the magnetic field 110 in the baffle 114b , As stated above, in this way substantially all of the radioactive elements (ie, "heavy ions") from the other elements in the nuclear waste of the container 32 apart.

When the "heavy ions" from the inertial separator 18 through the baffle 114 and in the high vacuum glazier 116 many of them come into contact with the molten glass 124 in manometer tube 122 and are glazed. These glazed "heavy ions" are then removed from the manometer tube 122 through the outlet pipe 130 and the beating tower 132 siphoned and as glass beads in the container 136 collected. The "heavy ions", which, for whatever reason, are not affected by the molten glass 124 in a high vacuum glazier 116 be absorbed, become the atmospheric pressure glazier 118 directed. In the glazier 118 become particles of heavy elements by the Oseen effect of the sound absorber 152 isolated and removed from the stream. These particles of heavy ele elements are in the molten glass 144 glazed and for collecting in the container 150 converted into glass beads. Any gases or particles of heavy elements that were previously neither in the high vacuum glazier 116 still in the atmospheric pressure glazier 118 are glazed in the high pressure glazier 120 directed.

In the high pressure glazier 120 Gases of heavy elements are pressurized as bubbles 168 in the molten glass 162 in the manifold 160 fed. The bubbling is interrupted at regular intervals, and the compressor 164 is activated to the pressure in the airspace 166 to increase. This causes areas of glass melt 162 clear [and free from] blisters 168 are. If, therefore, the glass melt 162 through the manifold 160 pushed and from the cooling unit 170 is cooled, alternating areas of clear glass and areas of contaminated glass which surround the trapped bubbles 168 contain. The sensor 172 is able to between the clear glass and the bubbles 168 to distinguish, with a separator 174 Can be used to clear the areas of clear glass at the void areas 176 to cut through the bubbles 168 to be captured in the glass cylinders for subsequent disposal.

Although the special nuclear waste segregation separator, as disclosed and disclosed in detail herein, completely in capable of the aforementioned To fulfill tasks and to provide these benefits, it can be assumed that the currently preferred embodiments of the invention are to be illustrated, and that in terms of the details shown in the design or construction no restrictions they are intended to be different than those in the attached claims listed are.

Claims (33)

A system for separating waste into light and heavy elements, comprising: a transport means for transporting the waste into a high vacuum environment; and a processing device for vaporizing the waste to generate a waste vapor and for ionizing the waste vapor to produce a multispecies plasma containing electrons as well as ions of light elements and heavy elements; characterized in that the system further comprises: a nozzle for converting the multispecies plasma into a fluid stream in which the light ions and heavy ions all have a substantially uniform velocity; and an inertial separator for the separation separation of the ions. according to their respective inertia. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing means comprises a radio frequency (RF) antenna, which serves the waste vapor to ionize the waste vapor to stimulate with a Whistler mode. The system of claim 2, wherein the processing device an inlet and an outlet, between which a Chamber is which defines the high vacuum environment; the Transport device with the inlet of the processing device is tightly connected to the waste into the high vacuum environment of the plasma chamber, so that from this the fumes be released; the RF antenna on the processing device attached to the vapors to ionize in the chamber to produce a plasma; one Magnet attached to the processing device, which is a magnetic field generated in the processing device to direct the plasma to the waste, so that the waste evaporate, and the resulting waste steam in the Chamber to convict with it it is ionized by the RF antenna, making a multispecies plasma is generated, the electrons and the ions of light and heavy Contains elements; the Nozzle magnetic and connected to the outlet of the processing device; and the inertial separator with the nozzle connected is. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising Facility for includes vitrification of separate ions. The system of claim 4, wherein the glazing device a manometer filled with molten glass, the manometer having a first end, which the glass melt to the atmospheric pressure and a second end containing the molten glass of the high vacuum environment exposes at least one of separate ions for glazing through the glass melt absorbs. The system of claim 3, wherein the chamber comprises a hollow, substantially cylindrical dielectric portion having a first end and a second end; a first stainless steel cylinder attached to the first end of the dielectric portion and oriented substantially coaxially therewith; and a second stainless steel cylinder attached to the second end of the dielectric portion, and which is substantially coaxially aligned therewith. The system of claim 6, wherein the RF antenna surrounds the dielectric portion, and the RF antenna is approximately seven megawatts ( 7 MW) in the range of about two to twenty megahertz (2 - 20 MHz) is operated. The system of claim 3, wherein the magnet is a magnetic coil is that has a magnetic induction in the range of about five hundredths up to one tenth of Tesla (0.05 to 0.1 T). The system of claim 3, wherein the transport means includes: a substantially U-shaped tube with a first End and a second end, wherein the tube is filled with a fluid, to set up a pressure gauge whose first end is exposed to atmospheric pressure with its second end exposed to the high vacuum environment; such as a pipe run connected to the second end of the U-shaped pipe, around the waste for the subsequent Evaporate evaporation in the processing device. The system of claim 9, wherein the waste is a container for radioactive Material, and the system further comprises a punching tool, which is mounted on the transport device to the container dot and the fleeting ones Release substances from it, the punch tool in the U-shaped tube arranged and immersed in the fluid. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inertial separator contains a magnetic device, which creates a magnetic field to block off the electrons with it do not put her in the inertial separator be admitted. The system of claim 11, wherein the magnetic device serves to generate a magnetic field that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow to the ions of the light and slow down heavy elements. A system according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the inertial separator includes: a pair of substantially parallel metal walls interposed between to form a channel; a first baffle disposed between the parallel metal walls is to absorb the heavy ions; a second baffle, the between the parallel metal walls is arranged to receive the light ions, wherein the second baffle between the first baffle and the nozzle is arranged; the magnetic device for generating a magnetic field in the enclosed space to guide the heavy ions to the first baffle, and to guide the light ions to the second baffle to separate elements to establish; and a facility that has at least one these baffles is connected, for the glazing of the separated elements. The system of claim 13, further comprising a variable Resistance element connected between the parallel metal walls is the transport route of heavy ions and light ions through the channel. The system of claim 3, further comprising a storage tank for the Collecting the vapors, which were released from the wastes in the high vacuum environment before the vapors be ionized by the RF antenna of the chamber. Procedure for the separation of waste in light elements and heavy elements, the following steps includes: Transporting the waste into a high vacuum environment; Vaporizing the waste, to generate a waste vapor; Ionizing the waste vapor, around a multispecies plasma to generate the electrons and ions of light elements and contains heavy elements; thereby characterized in that this method further the following steps includes: Converting the multispecies plasma into a fluid stream, in which the light ions and heavy ions are all essentially one uniform Have speed; and Separation separation of the ions according to their respective inertia. The method of claim 16, further comprising Step of glazing the separated elements comprises. The method of claim 16, wherein the waste volatile components and wherein the transport step results in gases the volatile one Components are released into the high vacuum environment, and wherein the evaporation step further comprises the steps of: Set up a magnetic field in the high vacuum environment; Generating a Plasmas from the gases of the fleeting Components in the high vacuum environment; and Align the Plasmas from the fleeting Components over the magnetic field and in conjunction with the waste to the evaporation step to accomplish. The method of claim 16, wherein the ionizing step produces a multispecies plasma having a density above that of the collision density light ions and the heavy ions, and wherein the conversion step is carried out in the following steps: accelerating the light ions and heavy ions of the multispecies plasma with a magnetic nozzle, the plasma having a density which is above the collision density of the light ions and the heavy ion is located; and expanding the multispecies plasma to further accelerate the light ions and heavy ions and lower their density below the collision density prior to the deposition step. The method of claim 16, wherein the transporting step the following steps include: Placing the waste in containers; and immersion the container into a gauge fluid to pass through it into the high vacuum environment to convict. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step includes, whereby the plasma is blocked so that it does not enter the Electricity can migrate. The method of claim 16, wherein all are heavy Have an atomic weight greater than ninety (A> 70). The method of claim 16, wherein the ionizing step performed using a radio frequency (RF) antenna, to stimulate the waste vapor in Whistler mode. The method of claim 16, wherein the wastes with a throughput of about 189 liters for each twelve hours processed in the system become. Device for separating a material mixture into light elements and heavy ones Elements with: a processing device for generating of a multispecies plasma from waste, the light ion of the contains light elements and heavy ions of heavy elements, wherein the light ions and heavy ions are at substantially the same speed to have; and characterized in that the device further includes: a nozzle, to convert the multispecies plasma into an inertial separator; and one inertial, comprising: a pair of substantially parallel metal walls interposed between forming a channel, a variable resistance element that intervenes the metal walls switched and a magnetic device for generating a magnetic field, which is substantially parallel to the metal walls, wherein serve the variable resistance element and the magnetic device, the light ions stronger as the heavy ions decelerate, causing the light ions of the heavy ions are separated. Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the processing means serves the waste to vaporize to produce a waste vapor and the waste vapor to ionize and thus produce the multispecies plasma. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the processing means a radio frequency (RF) antenna which serves to connect the Waste steam for ionizing the steam with a Whistler mode to stimulate. Apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising a first Facility for the collection of the light ions and a second means for collecting the has heavy ions. Device for Separation of light ions from heavy ions with: one Nozzle to a multispecies plasma from waste, the light ions of light elements and heavy ions of heavy ones Contains elements to transform into a channel that formed by a pair of substantially parallel metal walls becomes; a variable resistance element between the metal walls and a magnetic device for the Generating a magnetic field is connected, which is essentially to the metal walls runs parallel, wherein the variable resistance element and the magnetic device serve the light ions stronger than the heavy ions to decelerate, thereby separating the light ions from the heavy ions become; and wherein the variable resistance element serves to cause the Degree of separation between the heavy ions and the light ions to control. Apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising processing means for the Vaporizing the waste for generating a waste vapor and for ionizing the waste vapor for producing a multispecies plasma. Apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the processing means a radio frequency (RF) antenna which serves to connect the Waste steam for ionizing the steam with a Whistler mode to stimulate. Apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the separator further comprising first means for accepting the light ions collect, and a second device to collect the heavy ions. The device of any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the light ions and the heavy ions all have a substantially uniform velocity when entering the canal.