Characterization of Cement and Bitumen Waste Forms Containing Simulated Low-Level Waste Incinerator Ash.

摘要

Incinerator ash from the combustion of general trash and ion exchange resins were immobilized in cement and bitumen. Tests were conducted on the resulting waste forms to provide a data base for the acceptability of actual low-level waste forms. The testing was done in accordance with the Technical Position on Waste Form. Bitumen had a measured compressive strength of 120 psi and a leachability index of 13 as measured with the ANS 16.1 leach test procedure. Cement demonstrated a compressive strength of 1400 psi and a leachability index of 7. Both waste forms easily exceed the minimum compressive strength of 50 psi and leachability index of 6 specified in the Technical Position. Irradiation to 10 to the 8th power RAD and exposure to thirty +60 to -30C thermal cycles did not significantly impact these properties. Neither waste form supported bacterial or fungal growth as measured with ASTM G21 and G22 procedures. However, there is some indication of biodegradation due to cometabolism processes. Neither bitumen nor cement containing incinerator ash caused any corrosion or degradation of potential container materials including steel, polyethlyene and fiberglass. However, moist ash did cause corrosion of the steel.