Applications of a PACT-2 system for waste studies

A lab-size Plasma Arc Centrifugal Treatment (PACT) system has been operated with a variety of feedstocks containing surrogates for radioactive wastes. The system uses energy from an arc, between a plasma torch and a rotating 0.6 m (2 ft.) diameter tub, inside a sealed chamber to melt inorganic components of waste fed and to evaporate organic and other volatile components. Burnable substances are oxidized either in the primary chamber or in a downstream secondary combustion chamber. The PACT-2 system can readily be moved to a new treatment site in tow 2.4 m x 2.4 m x 6 m (8` x 8` x 20`) shipping containers.