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Testing and Expertise for Marine Energy (TEAMER) Program Support - Numerical Modeling Assistance for iProTech's "PIP" WEC Device: Cooperative Research and Development Final Report, CRADA Number CRD-20-17303

Develop a time-domain, 3 degree of freedom numerical model of IProTech's PIP device, including power take-off (PTO), that can be used to develop control algorithms and establish a baseline technology performance level (TPL). This is important to IProTech because having a good numerical model allows IProTech to optimize design and control algorithms on an ongoing basis. A baseline TPL enables the PIP technology to be benchmarked against other wave energy converter (WEC) concepts, providing (i) justification (or not) for investment in wave tank model testing, (ii) identifying optimum design parameters and control algorithms for the test model, (iii) specifying test conditions and (iv) interpreting wave tank test results. An accredited WEC-Sim model of the PIP device is an essential tool for further development of the technology. 1) The development of numerical models of the PIP concept will enable iProTech to evaluate the potential performance of this concept, and to investigate how sensitive the device is to different variables within the system (e.g. hydraulic components, geometry dimensions, etc.) 2) The numerical models were developed with WEC-Sim and PTO-Sim -- the de-facto industry standard WEC numerical modeling tools. A detailed model of the system's hydraulic circuit was developed with PTO-Sim. However, WEC-Sim is based on linear hydrodynamics and has several limitations; validation against high fidelity models/physical scale models would help to build confidence in the results.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

A compact mechanical power take-off for wave energy converters: Design, analysis, and test verification

Power Take-off (PTO) is one of the most critical components in the ocean wave conversion. This paper introduces an innovative compact mechanical PTO using a ball screw mechanism and a Mechanical Motion Rectifier (MMR) to improve the energy conversion performance. The proposed MMR PTO converts bidirectional oscillatory motion of the ocean waves into unidirectional rotation. The detailed design and working principle of the MMR PTO are explicitly explained. Dynamic analysis is presented for the three most important factors that influence the performance, including the equivalent mass, the equivalent damping, and the excitation frequency. The analytical relationship between these factors and the disengaged freewheeling motion caused by the MMR mechanism is derived, and the analytical solution is verified through dry lab testing. Experimental results in bench tests show that compared with the traditional linear PTO which use the ball screw to drive the generator directly, the MMR PTO is more efficient because of the unique freewheeling motion, achieving a maximum 81.2% energy transfer efficiency. After integrating the prototype PTO with a single-body point absorber type of wave energy converter, testing in a water tank yields total PTO efficiency up to 62.4%, showing a very promising potential for real applications.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Oscillating surge wave energy converter using a novel above-water power takeoff with belt-arc speed amplification

We investigate the performance of a novel power takeoff (PTO) featuring belt-arc speed amplification for oscillating surge wave energy converters (OSWECs), aiming to address the challenges of extremely low rotary speed and large torque under the low-frequency ocean wave excitations. The belt-arc design significantly increases the rotary speed of the generator, enabling generator downsizing and decreasing the powertrain friction losses. The design also allows for placing the generator above water, eliminating the need for high Ingress Protection ratings for the generator and powertrain, and potentially leading to substantial reductions in capital and maintenance costs. Using the linear potential wave theory, the dynamics of the integrated system are analyzed, and key parameters are identified. To validate the numerical analysis, a 1:10 scale model is designed, fabricated, and tested in a wave tank. Performance evaluations are conducted under regular and irregular wave conditions, with quantified effects of parameter tuning. The results reveal an optimal wave-to-electric efficiency of 48% under regular wave excitation and 20% under irregular excitation. Furthermore, these findings underscore the effectiveness of the proposed novel PTO design in addressing the challenges of low rotation speed and large torque inherent in OSWECs, demonstrating its ability to efficiently convert wave power into electricity.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Glycolate Analysis in Tank 22: Developing and Testing Analytical Methods for the Savannah River Site Liquid Waste System

Researchers developed and tested a range of techniques to support a low mg/L Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) of glycolate in radioactive Tank 22 waste solution by Ion Chromatography (IC) and by proton NMR. For the IC method, Dionex OnGuard II cartridges were tested as a means of removing alkali earth and transition metals that can interfere during ion chromatography applications especially when analyzing for low-concentration, chelating analytes. Additionally, concentrations of nitrate in the raw Tank 22 sample (5,000 to 10,000 mg/L) were managed by using reasonable levels of sample dilution. The resulting IC performance quality was enhanced by improving the baseline, increasing sensitivity [Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) of 12 mg/L and Limit of Detection (LOD) of 4.0 mg/L], and resolving analytes into well-defined Gaussian peaks when using the Dionex OnGuard II H⁺ cartridges to remove matrix interferences. High concentrations of nitrate limited the performance of the IC method. To achieve an acceptable baseline, samples with high nitrate content require more dilution, resulting in higher detection limits. Tests on samples with higher concentrations of nitrate (Tank 30 and 32 supernate with approximately 150000 mg/L nitrate) suggested that IC detection limits for glycolate in these samples would be > 500 mg/L. Thus, an LOQ of 12 mg/L is not feasible by this IC method on evaporator feed samples. An alternative method of glycolate analysis, using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR), was developed by the research team. In initial tests, the H NMR technique provided reasonable quantitation of glycolate in Tank 22 conditions by direct observation of the liquid. The H NMR method may provide improved detection limits for solutions with higher nitrate concentrations. We recommend further development of this analysis for high nitrate LWS samples such as evaporator feed and evaporator drop tank content. A method for pretreatment of samples using crystalline silicotitanate (CST) was developed and tested. The objective of the pretreatment was to facilitate analysis of samples with higher levels of radioactivity. The pretreatment did not influence the glycolate concentration in solution, and the pretreatment is projected to reduce Cs 137 activity in a sample by a factor of 16,200. The double strike CST pretreatment was demonstrated and would allow milliliters of higher activity samples to be transferred from the Shielded Cells and handled in a containment unit for glycolate analysis. The various studies validated IC and H NMR methods for glycolate analysis, defined the range of applicability, and demonstrated key supporting analytical protocols. Based on the results, high quality glycolate analysis of Tank 22 is feasible down to approximately 12 mg/L, with the potential for broader applicability of the methods to other conditions in the Savannah River Site Liquid Waste System (LWS).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Tank 48H Phase 1 Initial Testing Using Sodium Permanganate to Decompose Tetraphenylborate: As-Received Characterization of HTF-48-25-1

This report provides results from a detailed characterization study of Tank 48H sample HTF-48-25-17 performed by the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). The slurry sample was retrieved from Savannah River Site (SRS) Tank 48H on February 25, 2025, and received at the SRNL shielded cells on 02/25/2026. This effort completes the first task of a multi-phase approach, requested by Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), to study tetraphenylborate (TPB) decomposition in Tank 48H using sodium permanganate with radioactive waste.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Analysis of Air-Purifying Respirator (APR) and Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Cartridge Performance Testing on a Hanford AP Tank Farm Exhauster Slipstream (Volume 1)

Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) tested four types of chemical cartridges for use in air-purifying respirators (APR) and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR). These tests were undertaken to determine the period of time that the cartridges would provide adequate performance1 for APRs and PAPRs used to protect workers when exposed to a mixture of Chemicals of Potential Concern (COPC) from vapors exiting the Hanford AP tank farm exhauster slipstream. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers cartridge testing to be a valid approach for establishing cartridge change schedules. Testing commonly is applied in situations where mixtures of COPCs exist and where other approaches, such as manufacturer recommendations and modeling, are less reliable. The tests were designed and conducted to assure measurement and/or control of the key variables OSHA identified as important to estimate the cartridge service life, including temperature, humidity, COPC concentration, breathing rate, and cartridge adsorption capacity. Cartridge testing on a slipstream from the Hanford AP tank exhauster was conducted on March 23-24, 2018. This testing focused on both APR and PAPR cartridges. Previous testing of APR cartridges was conducted on the AP exhauster in June of 2016. However, an AP exhauster upgrade was completed in September 2016. In the most recent testing, slipstream vapors from the new AP exhauster were fed to two respirator cartridge test stands, one for the PAPR respirator cartridges and the other for the APR respirator cartridges. Both the APR and PAPR test stands were developed by WRPS in collaboration with HiLine Engineering (Richland, Washington). Multipurpose APR cartridges—SCOTT 7422-SD1 and SCOTT 7422-SC1 (SCOTT Safety, Monroe, North Carolina)—were assessed on separate days using the APR cartridge test stand. Multipurpose PAPR cartridges—MSA OptiFilter TL (MSA Safety Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and 3M FR-57 (3M Company, Maplewood, Minnesota)—were also tested consecutively over the same two days as the APR cartridge tests, using the PAPR cartridge test stand. Sample media (i.e., sorbent tubes) were used to collect samples of the vapor stream entering and exiting the respirator cartridges, and the samples then were analyzed for COPC concentrations. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory was tasked with conducting an independent analysis of the analytical results and making recommendations based on the results for respiratory cartridge performance and service life. The key conclusions from the analysis are described below.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Analysis of Respirator Cartridge Performance Testing on a Hanford AN Tank Farm Exhauster Slipstream

Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) conducted tests on two types of chemical cartridges for use in air purifying respirators to determine the period of time that the cartridges would provide adequate performance to protect workers when exposed to a mixture of Chemicals of Potential Concern (COPCs) from vapors exiting the exhauster at the Hanford AN tank farm. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies cartridge testing as a valid approach for establishing cartridge change schedule. Testing is commonly applied in situations where mixtures of COPCs exist and where other approaches, such as manufacturer recommendations and modeling, are less reliable. The tests were designed and conducted to assure measurement and/or control of the key variables OSHA identified as important to estimate cartridge service life, including temperature, humidity, COPC concentration, breathing rate, and cartridge adsorption capacity. Testing was conducted from September 30−October 2, 2016, on a slipstream from the AN Exhauster under static conditions fed to a respirator cartridge test stand developed by WRPS in collaboration with HiLine Engineering (Richland, Washington). Multipurpose respirator cartridges, SCOTT 7422-SD1 and SCOTT 7422-SC1 (SCOTT Safety, Monroe, North Carolina) were assessed on separate days. Sample media (sorbent tubes) were used to collect samples of the vapor stream entering and exiting the respirator cartridge and were subsequently analyzed for COPC concentrations. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory was tasked with conducting an independent analysis of the analytical results and making recommendations based on the results for respiratory cartridge performance and service life.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Analysis of Respirator Cartridge Performance Testing on a Hanford AW Tank Farm Exhauster Slipstream

Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) conducted tests on two types of chemical cartridges for use in air-purifying respirators (APR) to determine the period of time that the cartridges would provide adequate performance for APRs used to protect workers when exposed to a mixture of Chemicals of Potential Concern (COPCs) from vapors exiting the exhauster for the Hanford AW tank farm. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies cartridge testing as a valid approach for establishing a cartridge change schedules. Testing is commonly applied in situations where mixtures of COPCs exist, and where other approaches, such as manufacturer recommendations and modeling, are less reliable. The tests were designed and conducted to assure measurement and/or control of the key variables OSHA identified as important to estimate cartridge service-life, including temperature, humidity, COPC concentration, breathing rate, and cartridge adsorption capacity. Testing was conducted from September 23-25, 2016, on a slipstream from the AW exhauster, under static conditions fed to a respirator cartridge test stand developed by WRPS in collaboration with HiLine Engineering (Richland, Washington). Multipurpose respirator cartridges, SCOTT 7422-SD1 and SCOTT 7422-SC1 (SCOTT Safety, Monroe, North Carolina), were assessed on separate days. Sample media (sorbent tubes) were used to collect samples of the vapor stream entering and exiting the respirator cartridge, and were subsequently analyzed for COPC concentrations. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory was tasked with conducting an independent analysis of the analytical results and making recommendations based on the results for respiratory cartridge performance and service life.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Analysis of Air-Purifying Respirator (APR) and Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Cartridge Performance Testing on a Hanford AX Tank Farm Exhauster Slipstream Volume 1

Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) conducted tests of four types of chemical cartridges for air-purifying respirators (APR) and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) to determine the period of time the cartridges would provide adequate performance1 for APRs and PAPRs used to protect workers when exposed to a mixture of Chemicals of Potential Concern (COPCs) from vapors exiting the Hanford AX tank farm exhauster slipstream. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers cartridge testing to be a valid approach for establishing a cartridge service life. Testing is applied in situations where mixtures of COPCs exist, and where other approaches, such as manufacturer recommendations and modeling, are less reliable. The tests were designed and conducted to assure measurement and/or control of the key variables OSHA identified as important to estimate the cartridge service life, including temperature, humidity, COPC concentration, breathing rate, and cartridge adsorption capacity. Cartridge testing using vapors from a Hanford AX tank farm exhauster slipstream was conducted from August 25–27, 2017. Vapors from the exhauster slipstream were fed to two respirator cartridge test stands developed by WRPS in collaboration with HiLine Engineering (Richland, Washington). Four different cartridges were assessed. Multipurpose APR cartridges—SCOTT 7422-SD1 and SCOTT 7422-SC1 (SCOTT Safety, Monroe, North Carolina)—were assessed on separate days using an APR cartridge test stand. Multipurpose PAPR cartridges—MSA-TL (TL1) (MSA Safety Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and 3M FR57 (TL2) (3M Company, Maplewood, Minnesota)—also were tested over the same two days using a separate PAPR cartridge test stand. Sample media (i.e., sorbent tubes) were used to collect samples of the vapor stream entering and exiting the respirator cartridges and were subsequently analyzed for COPC concentrations. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory was tasked with conducting an independent analysis of the analytical results and making recommendations based on the results for respiratory cartridge performance and service life. The key conclusions from the analysis are described below.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Analysis of Respirator Cartridge Performance Testing on a Hanford AP Tank Farm Primary Exhauster Slipstream

Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) conducted tests on two types of chemical cartridges for use in air purifying respirators (APR) to determine the period of time that the cartridges would provide adequate performance1 for APRs used to protect workers when exposed to a mixture of Chemicals of Potential Concern (COPCs) from vapors exiting the exhauster for the Hanford AP tank farm. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies cartridge testing as a valid approach for establishing a cartridge change schedules. Testing is commonly applied in situations where mixtures of COPCs exist, and where other approaches, such as manufacturer recommendations and modeling, are less reliable. The tests were designed and conducted to assure measurement and/or control of the key variables OSHA identified as important to estimate cartridge service life, including temperature, humidity, COPC concentration, breathing rate, and cartridge adsorption capacity. Testing was conducted from June 24-26, 2016, on a slipstream from the AP exhauster fed to a respirator cartridge test stand developed by WRPS in collaboration with HiLine Engineering (Richland, Washington). Multipurpose respirator cartridges, SCOTT 7422-SD1 and SCOTT 7422-SC1 (SCOTT Safety, Monroe, North Carolina) were assessed on separate days. Sample media (sorbent tubes) were used to collect samples of the vapor stream entering and exiting the respirator cartridge and were subsequently analyzed for COPC concentrations. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory was tasked with conducting an independent analysis of the analytical results and making recommendations based on the results for respiratory cartridge performance and service life.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Cesium Ion Exchange Testing Using Crystalline Silicotitanate with Hanford Tank Waste 241-AP-107

At the time of this testing, the Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System (LAWPS) was to provide for the initial production of immobilized low-activity waste by feeding Hanford tank supernate from tank farms to the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility for immobilization. Washington River Protection Solutions requested that Hanford tank waste collected from tank 241-AP-107 (hereafter called AP-107) be processed using conceived pretreatment steps (suspended solids removal by filtration, Cs removal by ion exchange) then vitrified. A small-scale test platform to demonstrate the solids filtration, Cs removal, and LAW vitrification was constructed and installed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Bench-scale ion exchange testing with approximately 9 L of AP-107 supernate was conducted using crystalline silicotitanate (CST) ion exchange media. The IONSIV R9140-B CST was provided by Honeywell UOP, LLC in 2018 (Batch 2081000057). The ion exchange media was first tested with simulant and was previously described. This report describes the Cs ion exchange batch contact and column test results with the AP-107 tank waste. Batch contact testing helps to evaluate CST performance on tank waste supernate prior to processing it in the ion exchange columns. Batch contacts were performed with the waste at four Cs concentrations at a phase ratio of 200 (liquid volume to exchanger mass) with AP-107. The distribution coefficient (K d ) at the equilibrium condition of 8.57 µg Cs/mL (AP-107 feed condition) was determined to be 669 mL AP-107/g CST. With a CST bed density of 1.00 g/mL, this K d corresponded to a predicted 50% Cs breakthrough of 669 bed volumes (BVs). The Cs load capacity at the equilibrium feed condition was determined to be 7.5 mg Cs/g dry CST. The column testing was prototypic to the intended LAWPS operations in a lead-lag column format, although on a small-scale basis with 10-mL CST beds. The feed was processed downflow through the lead column and then through the lag column at ~2.2 BV/h. Loading continued until the lag column reached the WTP waste acceptance criteria (WAC) for receiving supernatant waste for vitrification (a function of the Na and 137 Cs concentrations). For AP-107, the WAC is 0.114% of the influent 137 Cs concentration; this required a Cs decontamination factor of 876. The Cs effluent from the lag column reached the WAC after processing ~410 BVs. To keep the subsequent product effluent below the WAC, a replacement lag column was prepared, the lead column was removed from service (after processing a total of 471 BVs), the lag column was put into the lead column position, and the replacement lag column was installed. Feed processing continued and after another ~290 BVs the Cs effluent from the lag column again exceeded the WAC. In both cases, the lead columns only reached 25% Cs breakthrough before removal. Although 50% Cs breakthrough was not reached, this value was estimated and averaged based on extrapolation of the loading curves (640 BVs) and agreed within 4% of the predicted 50% Cs breakthrough from batch contact test results (669 BVs). Table ES.1 summarizes the observed column performance and relevant Cs loading characteristics.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Physical Modeling of Coupled Thermohydraulic Behavior of Compacted MX80 Bentonite during Heating

Abstract This paper describes a tank-scale test setup and experimental methodology used to investigate coupled heat transfer and water flow processes during heating of compacted MX80 bentonite to high temperatures. Specifically, a temperature of 200°C was maintained by a cylindrical heating element at the center of a compacted bentonite layer containing an array of temperature, dielectric, and relative humidity sensors. In addition to providing an evaluation of the spatiotemporal variations in temperature, relative humidity, degree of saturation, and global volume, the coupled thermohydraulic properties of the bentonite were assessed. A wetting front was initially observed to move away from the central heater, followed by a drying process until reaching thermohydraulic equilibrium. The soil–water retention curve (SWRC) of the bentonite followed a wetting scanning path before following the primary drying path exhibiting a shift in water retention with elevated temperature. Results from the tank-scale test can be used for validation of numerical simulations of drying processes in the engineered barrier system of a high-level radioactive waste geological disposal repository and confirm that a temperature-dependent hysteretic SWRC with scanning paths is required to accurately capture the bentonite response.

Engineering↗

Low Purge and Mercury Recovery Testing with Sludge Batch 10 Tank 40 Simulant

Researchers at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) have completed testing as requested by Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) to perform experiments to determine the impact of using a lower or inert purge in Sludge Batch (SB) 10 processing under the Nitric-Glycolic Acid (NGA) flowsheet. A key objective of this testing was also to determine the mercury speciation and recovery during each experiment. The testing was performed as part of the SB10 Technical Task Request (TTR) and Task Technical and Quality Assurance Plan (TTQAP). Two sets of tests were performed, and a Run Plan was approved prior to each set of experiments to document the planned testing. Three initial experiments were completed to determine whether a low air purge would be beneficial to CPC processing at higher acid stoichiometry (110%) based on the Koopman minimum acid (KMA) equation (116% Hsu). One of the tests, an inert nitrogen purge experiment, was also completed to demonstrate that excluding oxygen did not introduce any new hazards. The experiments were designed to be identical except for the change in purge gas and purge flowrate from run to run. After reviewing the results from the initial three experiments, six additional tests were proposed by SRNL to support the lower purge study and to look for processing alternatives for improving mercury recovery. These additional six tests were all completed at a very low acid stoichiometry to mimic the pH experienced during processing in DWPF (~7). DWPF is processing SB10 sludge at an acid stoichiometry of 90% based on the Hsu equation. The additional SRNL experiments were performed at an acid stoichiometry of 62.5% KMA stoichiometry (66.3% Hsu) to produce a Sludge Receipt and Adjustment Tank (SRAT) product with a pH of about 7. All experiments used simulants of both SWPF streams, although no entrained solvent was added during any of the experiments

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Review of Shock, Vibration, and Other Tests for Type IV Hydrogen Composite Pressure Vessels for Rail Use

Requirements specific to hydrogen rail transportation and its unique components are currently not well represented in safety codes and standards. Notably, one of the most important components of the system, the hydrogen storage vessel, may be subject to entirely different shock and vibration conditions compared to hydrogen tanks on road vehicles. This report focuses on how composite hydrogen tanks are tested for performance and how this may relate to these tanks being used on rail systems. The shock and vibration testing procedures that are relevant for hydrogen composite tanks used for rail applications have been identified, as well as some general testing requirements for hydrogen tanks and composite tanks.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Mercury Testing with Sludge Batch 10 Tank 40 Simulant

Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) requested that researchers at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) perform testing designed to examine why the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) is not collecting elemental mercury in the Mercury Water Wash Tank (MWWT). In order for DWPF to recover mercury, mercuric oxide must first be reduced to elemental mercury. The elemental mercury must then be steam stripped, condense, and coalesce in the Mercury Water Wash Tank (MWWT) during chemical processing in the Sludge Receipt and Adjustment Tank (SRAT). The efficiency of these steps was investigated in a series of laboratory scale SRAT experiments under the nitric-glycolic and nitric-formic flowsheets utilizing Momentive Y-17112 and Antifoam 747. Mercury speciation in the Slurry Mix Evaporator Condensate Tank (SMECT) and condensate streams was also examined. The key conclusions from these experiments are as follows: Mercury II Oxide may not be fully reduced to elemental mercury during acid addition at 93°C. Higher temperatures, i.e., boiling may be necessary to fully reduce Mercury II Oxide. The highest percent mercury recovery (71 %) in the MWWT was observed in the MS-NGA-17112 experiment (nitric-glycolic acid flowsheet with Momentive Y-17112), which is how DWPF is currently operating the SRAT.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Tank 48H Phase 1 Initial Testing Using Sodium Permanganate to Decompose Tetraphenylborate: Simulant Studies with Shaker Oven and 2-L Vessel

Tank 48H currently holds legacy material including organic tetraphenylborate (TPB) compounds from the operation of the In-Tank Precipitation process. The large quantity of TPB is not compatible with the waste treatment facilities at SRS and must be removed or undergo treatment to oxidize the organic compounds before the tank can be returned to routine Tank Farm service. Tank 48H currently holds approximately 270,000 gallons of legacy material comprised of decontaminated salt solution, approximately 20,000 kilograms of TPB solids, 3,400 kilograms of sludge solids, and 1,800 kilograms of monosodium titanate (MST).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Assessment of Methane Generation from the Thermolysis of Organics in Caustic Waste

Methane generation has been detected during thermolytic Hydrogen Generation Rate (HGR) testing of SRS tank waste and in simulant samples. Simulant testing has shown methane generation in the presence of trimethylsilanol (TMS) and radioactive sample testing has shown methane generation in presence of methylmercury, both of which are found within SRS waste tanks. The 2019 report Evaluation of the Current State of Knowledge for Thermolysis of Organics within SRS Waste Forming Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) reviewed historical data and assessed literature pertaining to thermolytic methane generation. That review recommended undertaking thermolysis studies on simulated waste to detect and quantify VOCs. The purpose of this assessment is to review chemistry and current knowledge of organics in SRS waste to recommend which organics in SRS waste tanks, if any, should be tested for thermolytic methane generation. An evaluation of observed methane generation rates has been performed to assess the implication for current CSTF controls. Based on the inputs used in this report, it was concluded that no methane generation data observed to date has challenged the existing 5% organic contribution to the Composite Lower Flammability Limit (CLFL) assumption in the CSTF tank farm at temperatures below 100 °C. Evidence shows that thermolytic pathways to methane generation become significant at temperatures >100 °C in caustic waste. Currently, the influences of thermolytic methane production on the flammability of vessels at >100 °C (e.g., evaporators) is unclear. It is recommended that testing should be undertaken using the HGR experimental approach for methane generation. The initial simulant testing should obtain quantitative methane generation rates at elevated temperatures for methylated siloxanes/silanes and methylmercury with the goal of determining the current mechanism for thermolytic methane generation seen in SRS tank waste. The results of this testing should then be compiled and analyzed to ascertain the risk of challenging the current projected organic contribution of 5% to the CLFL at elevated temperatures. Following this testing, an evaluation of possible flammable gas generation in the 2H and 3H Evaporators should be performed to assess the risk of methane generation at the high temperatures employed by the evaporators.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Conformable, Composite Tank for Liquid Hydrogen Storage in Heavy-duty Ground Transportation

Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC), with its partners, Argonne National Labs and University of Dayton Research Institute proposed to design and manufacture a conformable composite tank prototype to store liquid Hydrogen (LH2) for heavy-duty truck applications. A dual-wall tank concept was proposed where an outer shell covers and protects an inner pressure vessel that stores liquid hydrogen. The inner pressure vessel is liner-less and designed with a conformable concept, derived from prior RTRC ARPA-E program where multiple vessels are coalesced into one, maximizing space utilization and reducing surface area for heat leak. The gap between the dual wall is evacuated of air pressure, and filled with multi-layer insulation to minimize radiative heat transfer. Fiber reinforced composites were proposed for light-weighting and conformable shape manufacture. To minimize LH2 leakage, carbon nanotubes-infused composites were proposed, in addition to use of thin plies. The project was divided into two 18-month budget periods (BP), BP1 and BP2, separated by a Go/No-Go gate review. The high-level goal for BP1 was to demonstrate the feasibility of the overall approach, the tank design, material selection, and manufacturing methodology, build and test a prototype tank; and the goal for BP2 was to design and manufacture a conformal tank per DOE requirements (minimum 20 kg of LH2) and perform a successful test of the tank. The program was terminated about two-thirds of the way through BP1. The outcome of this program would have permitted long-haul trucks and construction vehicles to use liquid Hydrogen, reducing the emission of green-house gases. This technology is applicable to other transportation sectors as well.

08 HYDROGEN↗