MICROWAVE COMBUSTION AND SINTERING WITHOUT ISOSTATIC PRESSURE

This project is devoted to the development of an innovative technique for the disposal of mixed waste utilizing microwave energy. Because most uranium and plutonium components as well as most fission products have dielectric properties that allow excellent microwave and high-frequency energy coupling, dielectric heating has the potential for application in many processes for treating hazardous wastes. This technology, whether used on its own or as hybrid in conjunction with a conventional process, has positive features, such as energy efficiency. increased throughput, volume reduction, and reduction of disposal and transportation cost, and provides a technique not feasible by conventional means. The hazardous waste will be converted into a dense, stable, and vitrified form so that it may qualify for eventual off-site disposal. If successful, this program will lead to major cost saving for the DOE system