Evaluation of Materials Performance in a Large-Scale Glass Melter after two Years of Vitrifying Simulated SRP Defense Waste

The Large Slurry Fed Melter (LSFM) at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Plant recently completed two years of service and was shut down for evaluation. The melter operating history is reviewed and the condition of the refractories and metal components is described. The excellent condition of the LSFM verifies the expected performance of the materials of construction, and indicates that a two year melter life is achievable in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF).