Discrete Element Method Simulation of the Idaho Calcine Simulant for Hot Isostatic Pressing Canister-Filling Process: Part 1

In preliminary engineering studies and equipment commissioning, readily available simulants with certain resemblances to the target waste, such as particle size, may be employed. However, for the validation of engineering processes, it is crucial to use simulants that closely replicate the physical and flow characteristics of the waste material, typically excluding radioactivity. The production of such simulants can entail significant costs. To facilitate the development of novel engineering solutions, the U.S. Department of Energy provided a nonradioactive alumina calcine simulant. This simulant was utilized to demonstrate a hot isostatic press (HIP) canister-filling system designed by Gravitas Technologies in Australia. The simulant was synthesized through a fluidized-bed calcination process, which mirrored the chemistry and procedure employed for the actual alumina Idaho calcine waste material. Consequently, the simulant exhibited physical properties akin to the actual calcine, including particle size distribution, bulk density, and flow properties.