| abstract |
The subject of the present invention is a process for immobilizing metallic sodium in glass form, comprising the steps consisting in: n (A) introducing, into a reactor, in dispersed form, a vitrified matrix precursor, sodium in the metallic state, and iron oxide Fe 2 O 3 , in an amount sufficient to ensure oxidation of the metallic sodium introduced; n (B) producing a homogeneous mixture of these constituents; n (C) heating the mixture obtained to a temperature of between 1000 and 1600° C., whereby a homogeneous mixture in the molten state is formed, in which the sodium initially introduced is in the sodium oxide state; and n (D) recovering the molten mixture thus obtained and cooling it, whereby a vitrified matrix of homogeneous composition is obtained that incorporates the initially introduced sodium as constituent oxide of the said vitrified matrix. n The invention relates more particularly to the use of this process for the containment of metallic sodium containing radioactive elements. |