The SYNROC Demonstration Plant

Abstract

A A3 million plant has been built at the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC) Research Establishment to demonstrate the incorporation of simulated high-level radioactive wastes into the titanate ceramic, SYNROC. The plant has a nominal capacity of 10 kg/h of SYNROC containing 10-20 wt% waste oxides. SYNROC is made by adding a simulated radwaste solution to the precursor and calcining the slurry at 750 degrees C in a reducing atmosphere. The calcined powder is consolidated to near theoretical density by hot-pressing in bellows at 1200 degrees C and a pressure of 14-21 MPa. This key step has been demonstrated using 300 and 436 mm diameter bellows.