The aim of this project is to get a better understanding of thermal plasma vitrification process for the treatment of ILW (intermediate level waste) surrogate to bridge the gap between key science and technology. Particular emphasis will be placed on the investigation of the effect of different operating parameters and plasma generated species on the mobility and transition behaviour of radionuclides in the plasma vitrification of ILW surrogate by optical diagnostics, gas analysis and a wide range of material characterisation techniques (e.g. XRD, XRF, ICP, SEM, leaching test, etc).

Plasma is the fourth state of matter, distinct from the solid, liquid and gaseous states, and has been widely used in many industrial fields including plasma vitrification of waste. Plasma vitrification has been regarded as an alternative and promising process that uses high temperature (1500-2000°C) generated by thermal plasma to rapidly melt nuclear waste (e.g. ILW) with or without additive glasses/ceramics, producing a homogenous and stable slag, into which radionuclides can be encapsulated and immobilised. In this process, organic components in the waste are completely destroyed by the high temperature, energetic electrons and reactive species generated by plasma. Plasma vitrification process could significantly reduce the volume (up to 90%) and weight of nuclear waste, minimise secondary wastes and discharges (e.g. exhaust gas) and enhance the stability and durability of the final wasteform for safe and long-term storage, transport and eventual disposal, with the ultimate goal of reducing the overall cost of managing nuclear waste.

More detailed information can be found here

http://www.nextgennuclear.manchester.ac.uk/

http://www.nextgennuclear.manchester.ac.uk/our-research/liverpool/  

We welcome applications from graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a good degree (first class or upper second) in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related subjects. To be eligible for a studentship, you must either be a U.K. citizen or a European Union national who has been resident in the U.K. for at least 3 years prior to starting the course. We welcome applications from good students of all nationalities, but we are only able to offer financial support to students that fulfill the above criteria.