Patent ID: 8404919
Filing Date: 2013-03-26
Classification: C03B,G21F,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for treating nuclear sludge comprising subjecting the nuclear sludge to a plasma treatment in a plasma chamber, in the presence of an oxidant, to melt at least some of the inorganic components of the sludge, wherein the plasma chamber comprises a crucible having a cooled inner surface, this surface cooled sufficiently such that the inorganic components in contact with the inner surface are in a solid state and form a barrier between the part of surface of the crucible with which they are in contact and the molten inorganic components of the sludge; wherein the plasma chamber comprises two graphite electrodes; and wherein the electrodes are operated in one or both of: (i) a first mode in which an electric arc is passed between the electrodes above the level of the nuclear sludge (remotely coupled); or (ii) a second mode in which an electric arc is passed between the electrodes through the inorganic components of the sludge (transferred).