February 27, 2001
Conference Paper

Investigation of Alkali Ion Exchange Processes in Waste Glasses Using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry and Nuclear Reaction Analysis

Abstract

Recent performance assessment calculations of a disposal system for low-activity waste glass at the Hanford Site, Washington, show that a Na ion exchange reaction can effectively increase the radionuclide release rate by a factor of over 1000. Because of this, the Na ion-exchange reaction is a major factor that currently limits waste loading. The discovery of the significance of ion exchange to long-term radionuclide release rates requires simulation of the coupled processes of glass dissolution, mass transport, and chemical reactions in a complex disposal system. This observation stresses the importance of understanding and minimizing (through the formulation of new glasses) alkali ion exchange.

Revised: January 12, 2012 | Published: February 27, 2001

Citation

Shutthanandan V., S. Thevuthasan, D.R. Baer, E.M. Adams, S. Maheswaran, M.H. Engelhard, and J.P. Icenhower, et al. 2001. Investigation of Alkali Ion Exchange Processes in Waste Glasses Using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry and Nuclear Reaction Analysis. In Applications of Accelerators in Research and Industry: sixteenth international conference, Denton, Texas, 1-5 November 2000, AIP Conference Proceedings, edited by J. L. Duggan and I.L. Morgan, 576, 454-457. New York, New York:American Institute of Physics. PNNL-SA-34289.