VALVE DEVICE FOR REGULATING DRY FINE RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL

摘要

Method and means for solidifying nuclear waste for permanent disposal are disclosed. A storage container, in the preferred form of a drum or barrel, is charged with a predetermined amount of liquid polymer resin in an uncatalyzed state. Catalyst-containing frangible ampoules are also positioned in the drum with a rotatable mixer mechanism. At a waste filling station, the mixer is rotated to break the ampoules so as to mix the catalyst and the resin. The catalyzed resin is then mixed with added waste material to completely encapsulate the waste prior to solidification of the resin. Monitoring of the filling and mixing process is provided by continually sensing the torque force being applied to the rotating mixer mechanism. Where the waste is a dust-like, dry particulate material, dust control means and method are also provided.