Monitoring the consistency of the metallic waste form derived from electrometallurgical processing.

A metallic waste form alloy that consists primarily of stainless steel and zirconium is being developed by Argonne National Laboratory to contain metallic waste constituents that are residual from an electrometallurgical treatment process for spent nuclear fuel. An approach for monitoring the consistency of metallic waste forms (MWFs) is developed based on consideration of the intent of regulatory requirements, production method, measured physical and chemical properties of the MWF, and analytical capabilities. It is recommended that the Zr content of the MWF be measured and tracked to monitor consistency because the Zr content: (1) provides a measure of the amount of the Zr(Fe,Ni,Cr){sub 2+x} intermetallic phase, which sequesters the majority of radionuclides in the MWF and affects its physical robustness and (2) indicates that the desired Fe-Zr eutectic was obtained, which provides a direct indicator that the appropriate process conditions (time, temperature) were employed. It is recommended that the Zr content be measured by chemical analyses of drill shavings taken from the MWF products