The Reaction of SRL 202 Glass in J-13 and DIW

Abstract

ABSTRACTStatic leach tests were performed in both 304L stainless steel and Teflon vessels using a synthetic high-level waste glass with either deionized water (DIW) or a tuff groundwater solution as the leachant to assess the effects of the vessel and the initial leachant composition on the extent and nature of the glass reaction. The tests were performed using monolith samples at 340 m−1 and crushed samples at 2000 m−1 for times up to 1 year. The results show less silicon is released from the glass into the groundwater solution than into DIW at both high and low glass surface area/leachant volume ratios (SA/V), but the alkali metal and boron releases are not affected by the leachant used. Tests performed in a stainless steel vessel resulted in slightly lower leachate pH values, but similar reaction rates to those performed in a Teflon vessel, as measured by the boron release. Blank tests with DIW or EJ-13 in the vessels showed the Teflon vessels to release small amounts of fluoride (1 to 2 ppm) and to acidify the DIW slightly (4.0 < pH < 5.6). The pH values of blank tests with EJ-13 increased from 8.2 to about 8.6 in steel and to about 9.2 in Teflon vessels. The slightly higher pH values attained in Teflon vessels are attributed to outgassing of CO2 during the test.