VOLUME REDUCTION OF LOW-LEVEL, COMBUSTIBLE, TRANSURANIC WASTE AT MOUND FACILITY.

Low-level combustible waste generated during plutonium-238 processing is collected and stored in 55-gallon drums. The composition of this waste is approximately 32 wt% paper, 46% plastic, 16% rubber and cloth, and 6% metal. Treatment of this waste is initiated by burning in the Mound Cyclone Incinerator, which consists of a burning chamber, deluge tank, venturi scrubber and blower. During the two years of operating the Cyclone Incinerator, experiments have been performed on particle distribution throughout the system using various mixtures of feed material. Measurements were taken at the incinerator outlet, after the spray tank, and after the venturi scrubber. An average emission of 0. 23 g of particles per kg of feed at the venturi outlet was determined. Immobilization of the incinerator ash is being studied with regard to long-term behavior of the product. The immobilization matrix which looks most promising is ash mixed with Portland 1A cement in a 65/35 wt% ash-to-cement ratio. This matrix exhibits good mechanical properties while maintaining a maximum volume reduction.