In-line detection of salt formation during vitrification using millimeter wave radiometry and interferometry

Vitrification is an internationally significant industrial process used for the treatment and immobilization of hazardous and radioactive waste. For successful silicate melt vitrification, molten salt formation during melter operation must be avoided. As such, proper process controls and continuous monitoring are critical to minimizing melting problems. Several in-situ process technologies for glass melters are well-developed; however, the lack of in-situ surface salt formation detection methods presents a risk to vitrification at the Waste Treatment & Immobilization Plant (WTP) on the US Hanford Site. While proposed previously, millimeter wave (MMW) radiometry and interferometry are demonstrated for the first time for in-line detection of salt formation in simulated nuclear waste glass melts. The experimental radiometer and interferometer setup uses the optical properties of the melt and a dual receiver operating at ∼ 137 GHz to elucidate melting behavior. A series of previously characterized glasses supersaturated with sulfate (Na₂SO₄), chloride (NaCl), or fluoride (NaF) salts are analyzed using the MMW system. This provides insight into volatile losses, fining, salt formation, salt identity, crystallization, and optical properties of a heterogeneous melt. Relevant terahertz (MMW/THz) optical properties are also compiled. Millimeter wave measurements are evaluated here for the ability to detect phase changes in salt-forming glass melt compositions without opaque body radiometry assumptions. This contribution demonstrates MMW radiometry with interferometry as a useful method for in-situ salt detection, enabling risk reduction in nuclear waste vitrification melters.