Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Waste Transfer”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 325 records · Page 18

Vitrification of Hanford Tank 241-AP-105 Waste at 7 M Na and Equivalent Simulant

Hanford Site nuclear waste is to be vitrified at the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP), which is a part of the safe and efficient retrieval, treatment, and disposal mission of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of River Protection. Hanford tank 241-AP-105 (referred to herein as AP-105) is one of the initial Hanford radioactive tank wastes planned to be processed and vitrified. A portion of AP-105 waste was retrieved by Washington River Protection Solutions, LLC (WRPS) and transferred to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The waste went through dilution by Columbia River water to reach a target sodium (Na) concentration of 7 M, solids filtration, and cesium removal by ion exchange. A glass composition was calculated from the Kim et al. glass models to satisfy the WTP baseline requirements based on the as-received sample and the target dilution to 7 M, from which a simulant was calculated and glass forming chemical (GFC) additions were determined to form a liquid/solids mixture called melter feed. To prepare for the processing of the 7 M Na AP-105 waste melter feed and learn about the production expectations, the melter feed simulant of 7 M Na AP-105 waste was processed in a non-radioactive, continuous laboratory-scale melter (CLSM) system.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Corrosion Control during Closure Activities at the Savannah River Site - 13514

Liquid radioactive wastes from the Savannah River Site (SRS) separation process are stored in large underground carbon steel tanks. Until the waste is removed from storage, transferred, and processed, the materials and structures of the tanks must maintain a confinement function by providing a barrier to the environment and by maintaining acceptable structural stability during normal service and design basis events (e.g., earthquake conditions). A corrosion control program is in place to ensure that degradation of the steel does not impact the structural and leak integrity functions of these waste tanks. The SRS is currently retrieving waste from older waste tanks and processing the waste through the vitrification for long term stabilization. The retrieval processes prepare the tanks for ultimate closure (i.e., grouting) by removing sludge by mechanical and/or sluicing methods, dissolving salt cake by adding water, and chemical cleaning of the residual sludge with oxalic acid. Each of these retrieval methods will result in waste chemistry that does not meet the requirements of the current corrosion control program. Given the short-term exposure and limited remaining service life for the tanks in which retrievals are being performed, an assessment of the need for corrosion controls in these tanks was performed. The assessment reviewed the corrosion rates in the more aggressive environments and the postulated loads on the structure during the closure activities. The assessment concluded that the current corrosion control program may be suspended for a short period of time while final retrieval of the waste is performed. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

A One System Integrated Approach to Simulant Selection for Hanford High Level Waste Mixing and Sampling Tests

The Hanford Tank Operations Contractor (TOC) and the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) contractor are both engaged in demonstrating mixing, sampling, and transfer system capabilities using simulated Hanford High-Level Waste (HLW) formulations. This represents one of the largest remaining technical issues with the high-level waste treatment mission at Hanford. Previous testing has focused on very specific TOC or WTP test objectives and consequently the simulants were narrowly focused on those test needs. A key attribute in the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) Recommendation 2010-2 is to ensure testing is performed with a simulant that represents the broad spectrum of Hanford waste. The One System Integrated Project Team is a new joint TOC and WTP organization intended to ensure technical integration of specific TOC and WTP systems and testing. A new approach to simulant definition has been mutually developed that will meet both TOC and WTP test objectives for the delivery and receipt of HLW. The process used to identify critical simulant characteristics, incorporate lessons learned from previous testing, and identify specific simulant targets that ensure TOC and WTP testing addresses the broad spectrum of Hanford waste characteristics that are important to mixing, sampling, and transfer performance are described.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

A One System Integrated Approach to Simulant Selection for Hanford High Level Waste Mixing and Sampling Tests - 13342

The Hanford Tank Operations Contractor (TOC) and the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) contractor are both engaged in demonstrating mixing, sampling, and transfer system capabilities using simulated Hanford High-Level Waste (HLW) formulations. This represents one of the largest remaining technical issues with the high-level waste treatment mission at Hanford. Previous testing has focused on very specific TOC or WTP test objectives and consequently the simulants were narrowly focused on those test needs. A key attribute in the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) Recommendation 2010-2 is to ensure testing is performed with a simulant that represents the broad spectrum of Hanford waste. The One System Integrated Project Team is a new joint TOC and WTP organization intended to ensure technical integration of specific TOC and WTP systems and testing. A new approach to simulant definition has been mutually developed that will meet both TOC and WTP test objectives for the delivery and receipt of HLW. The process used to identify critical simulant characteristics, incorporate lessons learned from previous testing, and identify specific simulant targets that ensure TOC and WTP testing addresses the broad spectrum of Hanford waste characteristics that are important to mixing, sampling, and transfer performance are described. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Use of Automation in Low Level Waste Storage and Management - 19227

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) generates Low Level Waste (LLW) and Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) from various site operations such as the operation of a research Reactor and the manufacture of Molybdenum 99. The Low Level Solid Waste (LLSW) generated is stored at ANSTO before and after conditioning. The current process flow involves the storage of LLSW waste before conditioning on racks, handled using forklifts. When the unconditioned waste is ready for conditioning, it is transferred to another facility, where volume reduction and packaging is carried out. Once conditioned, the waste is placed in further storage, pending dispatch to the proposed Australian National Radioactive Waste Management Facility (NRWMF). A new purpose built facility has been constructed, adjacent to the LLSW processing facility, for the storage and management of LLSW in both unconditioned and conditioned forms. This new facility will streamline the waste management process and significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of the process. In line with international best practises, the new facility utilises automation solutions to minimise the build footprint, and minimise the use of forklifts and other mobile plant. Most importantly, it applies the principle of ALARA (As Low as Reasonably Achievable) to minimise operator activities in areas where radioactive material is stored and eliminates double handling of the waste. The automation for unconditioned waste utilises an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), a vertical stacker crane within high density racking, to provide easy storage and retrieval for processing and/or routine inspections. This system allows operators to control it from outside of the storage area whilst utilising integrated software that allows for the required tracking of the unconditioned waste. From the ASRS storage area, unconditioned waste will have a smooth transition to the processing facility which is located adjacent to the ASRS system. Once conditioned, the waste is catalogued and returned to a designated storage area within the new facility using an automated building gantry crane with a target delivery system to eliminate the need for operators in the main storage bay. The waste will be held here in preparation for dispatch to the future repository. The utilisation of the ASRS for the purpose of storing LLSW is an innovative use of automation that will eliminate operators from active areas, reduce dose rates received and integrate with the waste tracking software. Furthermore, the system has significant advantages with operational efficiencies increased, reduced double handling of nuclear waste and maximum use of building footprint. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Results for the Second Quarter 2013 Tank 50 WAC Slurry Sample: Chemical and Radionuclide Contaminants

This report details the chemical and radionuclide contaminant results for the characterization of the 2013 Second Quarter sampling of Tank 50 for the Saltstone Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) in effect at that time. Information from this characterization will be used by Saltstone Facility Engineering (SFE) to support the transfer of low-level aqueous waste from Tank 50 to the Salt Feed Tank in the Saltstone Facility in Z-Area, where the waste will be immobilized. This information is also used to update the Tank 50 Waste Characterization System.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

In-service Inspection of Radioactive Waste Tanks at the Savannah River Site – 15410

Liquid radioactive wastes from the Savannah River Site (SRS) separation process are stored in large underground carbon steel tanks. The high level wastes are processed in several of the tanks and then transferred by piping to other site facilities for further processing before they are stabilized in a vitrified or grout waste form. Based on waste removal and processing schedules, many of the tanks will be required to be in service for times exceeding the initial intended life. Until the waste is removed from storage, transferred, and processed, the materials and structures of the tanks must maintain a confinement function by providing a barrier to the environment and by maintaining acceptable structural stability during design basis events, which include loadings from both normal service and abnormal (e.g., earthquake) conditions. A structural integrity program is in place to maintain the structural and leak integrity functions of these waste tanks throughout their intended service life. In-service inspection (ISI) is an essential element of a comprehensive structural integrity program for the waste tanks at the Savannah River Site (SRS). The ISI program was developed to determine the degree of degradation the waste tanks have experienced due to service conditions. As a result of the inspections, an assessment can be made of the effectiveness of corrosion controls for the waste chemistry, which precludes accelerated localized and general corrosion of the waste tanks. Ultrasonic inspections (UT) are performed to detect and quantify the degree of general wall thinning, pitting and cracking as a measure of tank degradation. The results from these inspections through 2013, for the 27 Type III/IIIA tanks, indicate no reportable in-service corrosion degradation in the primary tank (i.e., general, pitting, or cracking). The average wall thickness for all tanks remains above the manufactured nominal thickness minus 0.25 millimeter and the largest pit identified is approximately 1.70 millimeter deep (i.e., less than 10% through-wall). Improvements to the inspection program were recently instituted to provide additional confidence in the degradation rates. Thickness measurements from a single vertical strip along the accessible height of the primary tank have been used as a baseline to compare historical measurements. Changes in wall thickness and pit depths along this vertical strip are utilized to estimate the rate of corrosion degradation. An independent review of the ISI program methodology, results, and path forward was held in August 2009. The review recommended statistical sampling of the tanks to improve the confidence of the single strip inspection program. The statistical sampling plan required that SRS increase the amount of area scanned per tank. Therefore, in addition to the baseline vertical strip that is obtained for historical comparisons, four additional randomly selected vertical strips are inspected. To date, a total of 104 independent vertical strips along the height of the primary tank have been completed. A statistical analysis of the data indicates that at this coverage level there is a 99.5% confidence level that one of the worst 5% of all the vertical strips was inspected. That is, there is a relatively high likelihood that the SRS inspection program has covered one of the most corroded areas of any of the Type III/IIIA waste tanks. These data further support the conclusion that there are no significant indications of wall thinning or pitting. Random sampling will continue to increase the confidence that one of the worst 5% has been inspected. In order to obtain the additional vertical strips, and minimize budget and schedule impacts, data collection speed for the UT system was optimized. Prior to 2009, the system collected data at a rate of 32 square centimeters per minute. The scan rate was increased to 129 - 160 square centimeters per minute by increasing the scanner step and pixel sizes in the data acquisition set-up. Laboratory testing was utilized to optimize the scan index/pixel size such that the requirements for wall thinning and pit detection were still maintained. SRS continues to evaluate improvements to ultrasonic equipment.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

In-service inspection of radioactive waste tanks at the Savannah River Site - 15410

Liquid radioactive wastes from the Savannah River Site (SRS) separation process are stored in large underground carbon steel tanks. The high level wastes are processed in several of the tanks and then transferred by piping to other site facilities for further processing before they are stabilized in a vitrified or grout waste form. Based on waste removal and processing schedules, many of the tanks, will be required to be in service for times exceeding the initial intended life. Until the waste is removed from storage, transferred, and processed, the materials and structures of the tanks must maintain a confinement function by providing a barrier to the environment and by maintaining acceptable structural stability during design basis events, which include loadings from both normal service and abnormal (e.g., earthquake) conditions. A structural integrity program is in place to maintain the structural and leak integrity functions of these waste tanks throughout their intended service life. In-service inspection (ISI) is an essential element of a comprehensive structural integrity program for the waste tanks at the Savannah River Site (SRS). The ISI program was developed to determine the degree of degradation the waste tanks have experienced due to service conditions. As a result of the inspections, an assessment can be made of the effectiveness of corrosion controls for the waste chemistry, which precludes accelerated localized and general corrosion of the waste tanks. Ultrasonic inspections (UT) are performed to detect and quantify the degree of general wall thinning, pitting and cracking as a measure of tank degradation. The results from these inspections through 2013, for the 27 Type III/IIIA tanks, indicate no reportable in-service corrosion degradation in the primary tank (i.e., general, pitting, or cracking). The average wall thickness for all tanks remains above the manufactured nominal thickness minus 0.25 millimeter and the largest pit identified is approximately 1.70 millimeter deep (i.e., less than 10% through-wall). Improvements to the inspection program were recently instituted to provide additional confidence in the degradation rates. Thickness measurements from a single vertical strip along the accessible height of the primary tank have been used as a baseline to compare historical measurements. Changes in wall thickness and pit depths along this vertical strip are utilized to estimate the rate of corrosion degradation. An independent review of the ISI program methodology, results, and path forward was held in August 2009. The review recommended statistical sampling of the tanks to improve the confidence of the single strip inspection program. The statistical sampling plan required that SRS increase the amount of area scanned per tank. Therefore, in addition to the baseline vertical strip that is obtained for historical comparisons, four additional randomly selected vertical strips are inspected. To date, a total of 104 independent vertical strips along the height of the primary tank have been completed. A statistical analysis of the data indicates that at this coverage level there is a 99.5% confidence level that one of the worst 5% of all the vertical strips was inspected. That is, there is a relatively high likelihood that the SRS inspection program has covered one of the most corroded areas of any of the Type III/IIIA waste tanks. These data further support the conclusion that there are no significant indications of wall thinning or pitting. Random sampling will continue to increase the confidence that one of the worst 5% has been inspected. In order to obtain the additional vertical strips, and minimize budget and schedule impacts, data collection speed for the UT system was optimized. Prior to 2009, the system collected data at a rate of 32 square centimeters per minute. The scan rate was increased to 129 - 160 square centimeters per minute by increasing the scanner step and pixel sizes in the data acquisition set-up. Laboratory testing was utilized to optimize the scan index/pixel size such that the requirements for wall thinning and pit detection were still maintained. SRS continues to evaluate improvements to ultrasonic equipment. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Results For The Third Quarter 2013 Tank 50 WAC Slurry Sample

This report details the chemical and radionuclide contaminant results for the characterization of the 2013 Third Quarter sampling of Tank 50 for the Saltstone Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) in effect at that time. Information from this characterization will be used by DWPF & Saltstone Facility Engineering (DSFE) to support the transfer of low-level aqueous waste from Tank 50 to the Salt Feed Tank in the Saltstone Facility in Z-Area, where the waste will be immobilized. This information is also used to update the Tank 50 Waste Characterization System.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Results For the Fourth Quarter 2013 Tank 50 WAC Slurry Sample: Chemical and Radionuclide Contaminants

This report details the chemical and radionuclide contaminant results for the characterization of the 2013 Fourth Quarter sampling of Tank 50 for the Saltstone Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) in effect at that time. Information from this characterization will be used by DWPF & Saltstone Facility Engineering (DSFE) to support the transfer of low-level aqueous waste from Tank 50 to the Salt Feed Tank in the Saltstone Facility in Z-Area, where the waste will be immobilized. This information is also used to update the Tank 50 Waste Characterization System. The following conclusions are drawn from the analytical results provided in this report: SRR WAC targets or limits were met for all analyzed chemical and radioactive contaminants unless noted in this section. 59 Ni, 94 Nb, 247 Cm, 249 Cf, and 251 Cf are above the requested SRR target concentrations. However, they are below the detection limits established by SRNL. Norpar 13 and Isopar L have higher detection limits compared with the Saltstone WAC. The data provided in this report is based upon the concentrations in the sub-sample, and due to the limited solubility of these materials in aqueous solution, may not represent the concentrations of the analytes in Tank 50. The low insoluble solids content increases the measurement uncertainty for insoluble species. The semivolatile organic analysis (SVOA) method employed in the measurement of Norpar 13 and tributyl phosphate (TBP) has resulted in the erroneous reporting of a variety of small chain alcohols, including 4-methyl-3-hexanol and 5-methyl-3-hexanol, in previous quarterly sample reports. It has now been determined that these alcohols are an artifact of the sample preparation. Further work is being conducted in SRNL to delineate the conditions that produce these alcohols, and these findings will be reported separately.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Results for the second quarter 2014 tank 50 WAC slurry sample chemical and radionuclide contaminants

This report details the chemical and radionuclide contaminant results for the characterization of the 2014 Second Quarter sampling of Tank 50 for the Saltstone Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) in effect at that time. Information from this characterization will be used by DWPF & Saltstone Facility Engineering (DSFE) to support the transfer of low-level aqueous waste from Tank 50 to the Salt Feed Tank in the Saltstone Facility in Z-Area, where the waste will be immobilized. This information is also used to update the Tank 50 Waste Characterization System.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Results For The Fourth Quarter 2014 Tank 50 WAC Slurry Sample: Chemical And Radionuclide Contaminants

This report details the chemical and radionuclide contaminant results for the characterization of the Calendar Year (CY) 2014 Fourth Quarter sampling of Tank 50 for the Saltstone Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) in effect at that time. Information from this characterization will be used by DWPF & Saltstone Facility Engineering (DSFE) to support the transfer of low-level aqueous waste from Tank 50 to the Salt Feed Tank in the Saltstone Facility in Z-Area, where the waste will be immobilized. This information is also used to update the Tank 50 Waste Characterization System.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Comparison between lab- and full-scale applications of in situ aeration of an old landfill and assessment of long-term emission development after completion

Highlights: ► Current data on in situ aeration effects from the first Austrian full-scale case study. ► Data on lasting waste stabilisation after aeration completion. ► Information on the transferability of results from lab- to full-scale aeration. - Abstract: Sustainable landfilling has become a fundamental objective in many modern waste management concepts. In this context, the in situ aeration of landfills has been recognised for its potential to convert conventional anaerobic landfills into biological stabilised state, whereby both current and potential (long-term) emissions of the landfilled waste are mitigated. In recent years, different in situ aeration concepts have been successfully applied in Europe, North America and Asia, all pursuing different objectives and strategies. In Austria, the first full-scale application of in situ landfill aeration by means of low pressure air injection and simultaneous off-gas collection and treatment was implemented on an old, small municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill (2.6 ha) in autumn 2007. Complementary laboratory investigations were conducted with waste samples taken from the landfill site in order to provide more information on the transferability of the results from lab- to full-scale aeration measures. In addition, long-term emission development of the stabilised waste after aeration completion was assessed in an ongoing laboratory experiment. Although the initial waste material was described as mostly stable in terms of the biological parameters gas generation potential over 21 days (GP{sub 21}) and respiration activity over 4 days (RA{sub 4}), the lab-scale experiments indicated that aeration, which led to a significant improvement of leachate quality, was accompanied by further measurable changes in the solid waste material under optimised conditions. Even 75 weeks after aeration completion the leachate, as well as gaseous emissions from the stabilised waste material, remained low and stayed below the authorised Austrian discharge limits. However, the application of in situ aeration at the investigated landfill is a factor 10 behind the lab-based predictions after 3 years of operation, mainly due to technical limitations in the full-scale operation (e.g. high air flow resistivity due to high water content of waste and temporarily high water levels within the landfill; limited efficiency of the aeration wells). In addition, material preparation (e.g. sieving, sorting and homogenisation) prior to the emplacement in Landfill Simulation Reactors (LSRs) must be considered when transferring results from lab- to full-scale application.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Lightning Burnthrough to Containment Breach of 55-Gallon TRU Waste Drums

We investigated by arc-plasma heating the feasibility of attributing inherent lightning protection to 55-gallon DOT 7A, Type A, open head carbon steel drums made of 1.5 millimeter painted carbon steel, designed to protect Department of Energy transuranic nuclear waste. The Sandia Lightning Simulator transferred continuing current in 300 ampere (A), 400 A, and 500 A tests to achieve a 350 coulomb charge transfer and simulate cloud-to-ground lightning attachment to test coupons and 9 drums. A tungsten electrode was placed 0.75 inch from the drums. High-speed photography was recorded to observe the exterior containment breach, or "first light," seen on camera when burnthrough opened a hole in the containment. Sheet metal burnthrough occurred between 18 and 71 coulombs in lid and rolling hoop tests, but 12-gauge closure ring tests did not result in burnthrough, which suggests this feature may provide an inherent air terminal protective feature.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Waste Chemistry Envelope for the Determination of Pitting Corrosion Susceptibility - 19554

Liquid radioactive wastes at the Hanford and Savannah River sites are stored in large underground carbon steel tanks. The high-level wastes are processed in several of the tanks and then transferred by piping to other site facilities for further processing before they are stabilized in a vitrified or grout waste form. Based on waste removal and processing schedules, many of the tanks, will be required to be in service for times exceeding the initial intended life (i.e., greater than 60 years). Until the waste is removed from storage, transferred, and processed, the materials and structures of the tanks must maintain a confinement function by providing a barrier to the environment and by maintaining acceptable structural stability during design basis events, which include loadings from both normal service and abnormal (e.g., earthquake) conditions. Administrative programs are in place to mitigate potential corrosion mechanisms and thereby maintain the structural and leak integrity functions of these waste tanks throughout their intended service life. Waste chemistry and temperature control are the means by which corrosion degradation of the waste tanks is minimized. Chemistry controls are based on in-situ coupon tests, waste tank experience, and laboratory testing. These requirements comprise the technical standards for corrosion control. The standards are utilized then as guidelines for operational procedures. The present waste chemistry controls for the Hanford DSTs were established in the 1980's in response to tank failures caused by stress corrosion cracking (SCC) at the DOE Savannah River Site (SRS). Portions of the SRS chemistry limits, which were developed at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) were coupled with corrosion testing results from Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL) and adopted for corrosion control of the double-shell tank (DST) waste at the Hanford Site. Since that time, the temperatures of the waste in the DSTs have decreased to less than 50 deg. C in most cases as the radioactive material has decayed. As a consequence, new chemistry controls were formulated for SCC in 2010. This testing however, did not address that potential for pitting in the supernatant and at the liquid-air interface. Indeed, initial tests indicated that the inhibitor requirements for SCC would be insufficient for the prevention of pitting. In addition to lower waste temperatures, future retrieval and process changes may impact the DST waste chemistry. Initial projections suggest that the waste chemistry of the DSTs may shift to a broader range of pH and higher aggressive anion concentrations (e.g., chloride, sulfate, etc.) than the wastes that are presently stored. Additionally, processes within the vitrification facility may result in streams that are returned to the tank farm for evaporation. These streams may also contain high concentrations of aggressive species. SRNL investigated the propensity for pitting of the carbon steel waste tanks at current and projected DST waste chemistries. A statistically designed series of tests provided a pitting factor that relates the ratio of the inhibitor species to the aggressive species and the probability of observing pitting. An acceptable pitting factor was determined and was utilized for the development of a new chemistry envelope. The new chemistry envelope was compared to the envelope that was established for SCC and was determined to be bounding. Validation of the new chemistry envelope was performed via model simulations and comparison with historical experimental results and approaches to establishing chemistry envelopes. The new chemistry envelope will eventually be part of an overall assessment of the condition of the tanks and any changes made to the overall structural integrity program for the Hanford DSTs. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Results for the Third Quarter 2013 Tank 50 WAC Slurry Sample: Chemical and Radionuclide Contaminants

This report details the chemical and radionuclide contaminant results for the characterization of the 2013 Third Quarter sampling of Tank 50 for the Saltstone Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) in effect at that time. 1 Information from this characterization will be used by DWPF & Saltstone Facility Engineering (DSFE) to support the transfer of low-level aqueous waste from Tank 50 to the Salt Feed Tank in the Saltstone Facility in Z-Area, where the waste will be immobilized. This information is also used to update the Tank 50 Waste Characterization System. The following conclusions are drawn from the analytical results provided in this report: SRR WAC targets or limits were met for all analyzed chemical and radioactive contaminates unless noted in this section. 59 Ni, 94 Nb, 247 Cm, 249 Cf, and 251 Cf are above the requested SRR target concentrations. 2 However, they are below the detection limits established by SRNL. 3 Norpar 13 and Isopar L have higher detection limits4 compared with the Saltstone WAC. 1 The data provided in this report is based upon the concentrations in the sub-sample, and due to the limited solubility in aqueous solution, may not represent the concentrations of the analytes in Tank 50. Finally, the low insoluble solids content increases the measurement uncertainty for insoluble species.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Results for the Third Quarter 2014 Tank 50 WAC slurry sample: Chemical and radionuclide contaminants

This report details the chemical and radionuclide contaminant results for the characterization of the 2014 Third Quarter sampling of Tank 50 for the Saltstone Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) in effect at that time. 1 Information from this characterization will be used by DWPF & Saltstone Facility Engineering (DSFE) to support the transfer of low-level aqueous waste from Tank 50 to the Salt Feed in the Saltstone Facility in Z-Area, where the waste will be immobilized. This information is also used to update the Tank 50 Waste Characterization System.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Computational experiments to characterize bubble formation and movement in waste glass foam layer

Computer simulation experiments are a valuable complement to physical experimentation for systems where there is limited access to quantities of interest. The motivation for this work is to characterize the fluid dynamic and heat transfer processes that affect melt rate of waste slurry during vitrification, which can limit the throughput rate of the melter. Heat transfer to the cold cap from the molten glass below this layer is an important factor determining melt rate. In this study, computational fluid dynamics is used to elucidate the behavior of gas-filled cavities that form underneath the cold cap in a laboratory-scale waste glass melter. The cold cap consists of a reacting feed layer above a foam layer. The cavities are a result of coalesced gases from collapsing primary foam and air from forced convection bubblers. Bubbles in the foam layer move horizontally with the circulation pattern of the melt and escape around the edges of the cold cap to the plenum above. The effects of varying thermophysical properties and foam parameters based on the bounds of high-level waste glass formulations were explored. Using the DAKOTA toolkit, a Latin hypercube space-filling design was used to randomly distribute samples in bins to achieve good coverage over the parameter space with minimal points. Using the results from the set of simulations, a Gaussian process model with a linear trend was used to create response surfaces for several key quantities of interest, including temperatures, temperature gradients, velocities, and foam extent beneath the cold cap.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗