The Hanford Site recently began immobilizing low-activity, radioactive waste by converting it into glass: a process known as vitrification. The successful start-up of Hanford’s Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant will render millions of gallons of waste—generated by plutonium production during the Manhattan Project and Cold War—into glass for safe storage for thousands of years. The milestone also represents nearly 60 years of scientific contributions made by scientists and engineers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
“PNNL is proud to have played a pivotal role in advancing modern vitrification technology,” said Deb Gracio, PNNL director. “This milestone underscores the importance of innovation, collaboration, and scientific excellence in solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. It wouldn’t have been possible without a strong partnership among PNNL, DOE’s Hanford Field Office, Bechtel National Inc., the Office of Environmental Management, Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure, and of course our local community and stakeholders.”
Visit the article by Brendan Bane to learn about the birthplace of the melter, the process of vitrification, and the advancements being made.