Evaluation and Testing of Noble Metals Surrogates

Abstract

This report summarizes the results of testing and evaluation of noble metal surrogates that will support testing of noble metals in melters. The candidate system, potential surrogates, model glass systems, and test conditions have been chosen based on the existing reported data in literature as well as expertise existing at various sites, thermodynamics, physical properties, and cost of materials. The methodology involves testing interaction of RuO 2 and WO 3 and other surrogates in the test melt followed by characterization of the bulk glass and oxide-glass melt interfaces. The report explains different techniques used for studying settling, crystallization, rheology, and partitioning of noble metals or surrogates or spinel phases in the selected systems. The report presents and discusses how these results support the selection of the suitable surrogate for RuO 2. Finally the report concludes with identification of the best-suited surrogate (solubility and redox surrogate WO 3 and conductivity surrogate Cr 2 O 3) proposed and makes suitable recommendations for the follow up melter test activities.