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W. Fong replies: We feel that nothing can be settled by assertions and counterassertions. We shall be well content to let the merits and demerits of our machine be judged by manufacturers and users.]
An expanding ring was developed that provided remote repair of the pour spout for a radioactive waste vitrification melter. This passive device used gas pressure to expand a metal ring against the irregularly shaped pour spout wall. Laboratory modeling and testing were performed for proof of concept and optimization before final design and field deployment. The ring expanded radially more than 4.8 mm and successfully repaired the melter pour spout allowing continued glass pouring operation. INTRODUCTIONThe Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) vitrifies high level radioactive waste (HLW) from waste tanks at Savannah River Site (SRS). The process produces a suitable waste form for long-term dry storage of the HLW. Initially the chemistry of the liquid HLW is adjusted using various acids. Borosilicate glass frit is added, the slurry is condensed, and then it is fed into a high temperature glass melter. When melted the molten glass is poured into stainless steel canisters. Over the years, flow of molten glass down the pour spout has corroded the glass disengagement point to the extent that the stream could no longer be directed into the stainless steel storage canister without plugging.The melter is operated within facility referred to as a canyon. The facility incorporates 1.4 m (4.5 ft) thick concrete walls to shield personnel from the radioactive waste. A significant engineering challenge exists for any modification or repair because all operations must be performed remotely. To repair the pour spout a simple and novel technique was developed that allows a circumferential seal against the pour spout wall. The expanding ring will seal against an irregular shaped surface.This pressurized device is remotely deployable requiring no complicated mechanical tooling to install. The ring is positioned into the heated section of the pour spout and allowed to expand. This paper describes the expanding ring developed for the melter pour spout repair.
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