In situ process monitoring of nuclear waste glass melts using non-contact microwave sensor. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sivaprakasam, Balamurugan T.; Sugilal, G.; Shah, J.G.; Kaushik, C.P.; Krishnamurthy, C.V.; Arunachalam, Kavitha
• Is Part Of: Measurement. Volume 160(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Induction melting furnace -- Level measurement -- Microwaves -- Molten glass -- Process monitoring -- Radar; Weights and measures -- Periodicals; Measurement -- Periodicals; Measurement; Weights and measures; Periodicals; 530.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2020.107793
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2241

Abstract

Highlights: Non-contact microwave sensor for in situ high temperature measurements. Algorithms to extract process parameters from SFCW radar measurements. Demonstration of continuous monitoring of absolute level of glass melt. In situ identification of thermal steady state of glass melt. Remote monitoring of all stages in a typical vitrification batch process. Abstract: A non-contact microwave sensor is presented for in situ process monitoring of nuclear waste glass melts inside a cold crucible induction melting (CCIM) furnace. The level and thermal steady state of the molten glass inside a 1400 °C CCIM furnace were measured during 6-hour long vitrification process using a corrugated horn antenna operating over 20–24 GHz designed for high temperature measurement. The non-contact in situ microwave measurements indicate the ability to measure absolute level, identify thermal steady state of the glass melt, and remotely monitor the vitrification process for safe immobilization of the liquid radioactive waste.