Volatilization of alpha activity during heating of radioactive ashes

Thermal treatment of mixed wastes is one option that has the potential to significantly reduce final disposal volume and increase the durability of the waste form in one operation. One potential concern in evaluation and design of such a system, however, is the volatilization of contaminants of concern, which may increase secondary waste generation, cause permitting concerns, and complicate design of engineering containment. To evaluate the potential for significant contaminant losses, ash from mixed waste incineration was stabilized by melting at 1300{degrees}C while offgases and evolved particulate were captured for analysis. Losses of gamma emitting radionuclides were up to 20% and dominated by cesium, but losses of plutonium and uranium were less then 0.1%.