Abstract: A method for sequestering radioactive waste materials against dissolution and migration into the biosphere during prolonged storage is disclosed. The method comprises incorporating the waste materials as oxides into a mass of molten glass, and subsequently casting the homogeneous molten mass in an inert chemically durable glass container supported by a mold. The container is then sealed and permitted to cool, thereby forming a solid mass having an outer layer or cladding of non-radioactive glass. The glass used for the container preferably is a leach resistant soda-lime-alumina-silica glass similar to conventional bottle glass, and the coefficient of expansion thereof should be sufficiently close to that of the contents to avoid excessive stress at the interface upon cooling.

Abstract: A glass material is directed into an elongate enclosed conversion chamber, where it is either converted to or maintained in a molten state by heating through the Joule effect. Waste material is directed onto the glass material at the inlet end of the conversion chamber, and sufficient oxygen is directed into the chamber to cause combustion of the waste material which is capable of being burned. A portion of the ashes created by combustion fall on the glass material and become a part thereof. The gaseous combustion products proceed horizontally through the elongate conversion chamber, and additional ash material suspended in the gaseous combustion products settles onto the glass material and also becomes a part thereof. The gaseous exhaust is directed through a plurality of ceramic fiber filter components which capture the small particulate material that remains suspended in the gaseous exhaust.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved stirrer for homogenizing glass in a forehearth of a glass furnace. It comprises a paddle having both upwardly and downwardly slanting holes that is reciprocated in the manner of a hoe back and forth across the forehearth. A novel drive linkage causes the paddle to raise and lower as it passes back and forth to produce a clawing action for better mixing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved stirrer for homogenizing glass in a forehearth of a glass furnace. It comprises a paddle having both upwardly and downwardly slanting holes that is reciprocated in the manner of a hoe back and forth across the forehearth. A novel drive linkage causes the paddle to raise and lower as it passes back and forth to produce a clawing action for better mixing.