METHOD FOR PROCESSING ALKALI-METAL RADIOACTIVE WASTES Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: recovery of low- and medium-activity wastes. SUBSTANCE: alkali-metal radioactive wastes are introduced in alkali. Novelty is that before doing so, alkali metals are mixed up with inert medium and then with alkali whereupon concrete mix and clay additive are added; alkali concentration is maintained between 55 and 65 mass percent; clay additive is introduced in the amount of 18 to 22 mass percent. Inert medium is granulated blast-furnace slag with 300- 400 m/kg fraction introduced in the amount of 63-73 mass percent; kaolin or bentonite is used as clay additive. In addition, sodium- substituted clinoptilolite is introduced in inert medium in the amount of maximum 5 mas.%. In this way, wastes are immobilized in geocement compounds possessing high water resistance and strength. EFFECT: improved safety and reduced temperature of process. 7 cl, 2 tbl, 2 ex