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At least 109 records · Page 6

Two-Dimensional Network Flow Modeling of No-Vent Tank Filling of A Cryogenic Tank With Thermo-Dynamic Vent System Assisted Injector

A finite volume-based network flow modeling tool, Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), was used to simulate the no-vent filling of a cryogenic tank with a thermodynamic vent system assisted injector. The tank was discretized into nodes in the radial and axial directions to calculate two-dimensional axisymmetric flow with heat transfer between the solid wall and fluid. The nodes are connected by branches where momentum equations are solved to calculate the flowrates. The mass and energy conservation equations and the equation of state are solved to calculate pressure, temperature, and resident mass at the nodes. The energy conservation equations at the solid nodes were solved to calculate the temperature of the solid wall. The system of equations was solved by a combination of successive substitution and simultaneous Newton-Raphson method. The numerical model accounts for a) different regimes of pool boiling heat transfer, b) condensation of vapor around the spray droplets, c) condensation of vapor at the interface of the cooled injector and ullage, and d) condensation at the liquid-vapor interphase. The numerical predictions of tank pressure, filling rate, and wall temperatures were compared with the test data. The paper also presents the effect of nodal discretization by comparing the results of the 1D and 2D models and examines the effect of the droplet diameter on tank filling.

Nodal Model↗

Two-Dimensional Network Flow Modeling of No-Vent Tank Filling of A Cryogenic Tank With Thermo-Dynamic Vent System Assisted Injector

A finite volume-based network flow modeling tool, Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), was used to simulate the no-vent filling of a cryogenic tank with a thermodynamic vent system assisted injector. The tank was discretized into nodes in the radial and axial directions to calculate two-dimensional axisymmetric flow with heat transfer between the solid wall and fluid. The nodes are connected by branches where momentum equations are solved to calculate the flowrates. The mass and energy conservation equations and the equation of state are solved to calculate pressure, temperature, and resident mass at the nodes. The energy conservation equations at the solid nodes were solved to calculate the temperature of the solid wall. The system of equations was solved by a combination of successive substitution and simultaneous Newton-Raphson method. The numerical model accounts for a) different regimes of pool boiling heat transfer, b) condensation of vapor around the spray droplets, c) condensation of vapor at the interface of the cooled injector and ullage, and d) condensation at the liquid-vapor interphase. The numerical predictions of tank pressure, filling rate, and wall temperatures were compared with the test data. The paper also presents the effect of nodal discretization by comparing the results of the 1D and 2D models and examines the effect of the droplet diameter on tank filling.

Nodal Model↗

Tank Side Cesium Removal for Hanford Tank Waste - Actual Waste Demonstrations - 20467

The US DOE and its contractors are evaluating several options for treating Hanford tank supernate streams to provide feed for the Low-Activity Waste Facility at the Hanford Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. At this time, the intent is to deploy a Tank-Side Cesium Removal system. The key unit operations for this process are filtration and cesium removal by ion exchange. To assess the anticipated performance of the system, tests with actual waste were performed with samples from Hanford tanks AW-102 and AP-107 to provide basis data regarding the performance of the system in treating these materials. The decanted supernate waste samples from tanks AW-102 and AP-107 were received directly by the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. These samples were then filtered to provide data on dead-end filtration with a Mott{sup TM} filter media grade 5. Subsequently, the samples were run through 10-milliliter ion exchange columns containing crystalline silicotitanate to assess the dynamic ion exchange performance of these feeds. Test results demonstrated that the planned TSCR operations should meet process performance expectations. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Characterization of Tank 9h Salt Dissolution Batch 2C In Support of Tank Closure Cesium Removal (TCCR) 1A Batch 2 Preparations

Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) is currently preparing the second batch of material to be processed through the Tank Closure Cesium Removal (TCCR) 1A system. The feed for TCCR 1A consists of dissolved saltcake from Tank 9H. The third batch of salt to make up processing Batch 2 (Batch 2C) has recently been dissolved in Tank 9H and transferred to Tank 10H where it was composited with the first part of the batch (Batches 2A and 2B) in preparation for processing through the TCCR 1A unit. Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received samples from the recent batch (2C) of dissolved salt for characterization.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Aboveground Storage Tank Closure Report: Tank TA-55-0560

This project Aboveground Storage Tank Closure Report details tank-removal activities conducted in Technical Area-55 (TA-55) of the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL or the Laboratory), specifically removal of Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) TA-55-0560, NMED PSTB Facility ID #54763; a 12,000-gallon-capacity aboveground diesel-fuel storage tank.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Photogrammetry Measurements During a Tanking Test on the Space Shuttle External Tank, ET-137

On November 5, 2010, a significant foam liberation threat was observed as the Space Shuttle STS-133 launch effort was scrubbed because of a hydrogen leak at the ground umbilical carrier plate. Further investigation revealed the presence of multiple cracks at the tops of stringers in the intertank region of the Space Shuttle External Tank. As part of an instrumented tanking test conducted on December 17, 2010, a three dimensional digital image correlation photogrammetry system was used to measure radial deflections and overall deformations of a section of the intertank region. This paper will describe the experimental challenges that were overcome in order to implement the photogrammetry measurements for the tanking test in support of STS-133. The technique consisted of configuring and installing two pairs of custom stereo camera bars containing calibrated cameras on the 215-ft level of the fixed service structure of Launch Pad 39-A. The cameras were remotely operated from the Launch Control Center 3.5 miles away during the 8 hour duration test, which began before sunrise and lasted through sunset. The complete deformation time history was successfully computed from the acquired images and would prove to play a crucial role in the computer modeling validation efforts supporting the successful completion of the root cause analysis of the cracked stringer problem by the Space Shuttle Program. The resulting data generated included full field fringe plots, data extraction time history analysis, section line spatial analyses and differential stringer peak ]valley motion. Some of the sample results are included with discussion. The resulting data showed that new stringer crack formation did not occur for the panel examined, and that large amounts of displacement in the external tank occurred because of the loads derived from its filling. The measurements acquired were also used to validate computer modeling efforts completed by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Littell, Justin D.↗

Tank System Integrated Model: A Cryogenic Tank Performance Prediction Program

Accurate predictions of the thermodynamic state of the cryogenic propellants, pressurization rate, and performance of pressure control techniques in cryogenic tanks are required for development of cryogenic fluid long-duration storage technology and planning for future space exploration missions. This Technical Memorandum (TM) presents the analytical tool, Tank System Integrated Model (TankSIM), which can be used for modeling pressure control and predicting the behavior of cryogenic propellant for long-term storage for future space missions. Utilizing TankSIM, the following processes can be modeled: tank self-pressurization, boiloff, ullage venting, mixing, and condensation on the tank wall. This TM also includes comparisons of TankSIM program predictions with the test data andexamples of multiphase mission calculations.

Bolshinskiy, L. G.↗

Initial Progress on Tank Bottom Repair for the DOE EM Tank Waste R&D Program - 25089

Several years prior to the Lab23-EM001 Call Announcement, Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) had done a review in identifying tank repair feasibility. [1, 2] The most viable methods of repair identified for the Floor of a Primary Tank identified were Grout Stabilization and Polymer Grout. Grout Stabilization was described as a self-leveling grout which fills the entire bottom of the tank and creates a new or false bottom. These types of materials have been used at the Savannah River Site (SRS) to fill and close waste tanks as well as contaminated spaces within decommissioned reactors. No mention was made as to the chemical composition of these Stabilizing Grouts in the review, however, grouts used at SRS for the mentioned applications have always been a cementitious grout material. A thickness of approximately 12 inches was suggested in the review. It was also suggested that an additional polymeric coating could be applied to this fresh and clean grout surface.

BLUE, KAREEN↗

Three-Dimensional Surface Geophysical Exploration of the 200-Series Tanks at the 241-C Tank Farm

A surface geophysical exploration (SGE) survey using direct current electrical resistivity was conducted within the C Tank Farm in the vicinity of the 200-Series tanks at the Hanford Site near Richland, Washington. This survey was the second successful SGE survey to utilize the Geotection TM -180 Resistivity Monitoring System which facilitated a much larger survey size and faster data acquisition rate. The primary objective of the C Tank Farm SGE survey was to provide geophysical data and subsurface imaging results to support the Phase 2 RCRA Facility Investigation, as outlined in the Phase 2 RCRA Facility Investigation/Corrective Measures work plan RPP-PLAN-39114.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Characterization of the Soluble and Insoluble Portions of Solids from the Salt Waste Processing Facility Tank 201 and Tank 202 Samples

The Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF) Tank 201 and Tank 202 samples have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive x-ray (SEM/EDX), particle size analysis (PSA-Microtrac), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) spectroscopic techniques to characterize and identify organic and inorganic components in Tanks 201 and 202 as part of efforts to understand the problems occurring at SWPF due to the presence of solids in the recovered solvent.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Use of an Alternative Conceptual Model of Vadose Zone Heterogeneity to Evaluate Past Tank Leaks and Other Unplanned Releases within a Tank Farm at the Hanford Site - 20061

Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) requested that U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-Office of River Protection (ORP) consider an evaluation of effects of fine-grained thin sediment layers on transport with a separate alternative conceptual model in its evaluation of the potential impact of tank leaks and other unplanned releases within the tank farm at the Hanford Site. For this alternative model, Ecology recommended that the model be developed based on the general framework of fine-grained units identified by a stakeholder group in their interpretations of variability in moisture content data collected in the vicinity of Waste Management Area (WMA) C. In discussions with DOE-ORP, Ecology acknowledged that the underlying data and interpretations of the occurrence and lateral continuity of the fine-grained thin layers identified by a stakeholder group are uncertain. However, DOE-ORP agreed to Ecology's recommendation and has provided support for the requested evaluation that involved development of an alternative model based on the general framework of the unpublished report by the stakeholder. DOE-ORP considered this evaluation to be a hypothetical evaluation of vadose zone heterogeneities at WMA C. General observations from the range of simulation cases examined in the evaluation of the effects of hypothetical vadose zone heterogeneities at WMA C are as follows. - The movement of the center of mass of the simulated plumes was generally vertically downward below the source for all simulations, including those that incorporated the hypothetical fine-grained units. - All simulations that incorporated hypothetical heterogeneity produced additional plume spreading over what was produced in simulations using Equivalent Homogeneous Media (EHM) model(s)a. The spreading resulted in a broadening of the fringes of the plume, resulting in a wider region of low concentration, but lower peak concentrations associated with the center of mass of the plume. - Simulations that used the silty-sand hydraulic properties, suggested by Ecology for the hypothetical fine-grained units, generally produced similar spreading and slightly lower peak mass flux at the water table when compared to the EHM modeling results. a The EHM-based models used at WMA C do not explicitly include small-scale fine-grained heterogeneities used in the model advocated by Ecology. - Simulations that used the silty-sand hydraulic properties, suggested by Ecology for the hypothetical fine-grained units, generally produced less spreading and an earlier arrival of mass flux at the water table when compared to the use of another set of hydraulic properties from a silty-sand sample collected at a nearby disposal facility. - The EHM representation of the vadose zone generally produced higher peak mass flux and an earlier occurrence of peak fluxes at the water table compared to all analyses incorporating additional hypothetical heterogeneity. Results of this alternative model evaluation of past leaks provided some insight into the transport effects of vadose zone heterogeneities at WMA C that helped resolve Ecology's comments and issues related to the effects of vadose zone heterogeneities on past leaks and losses from the WMA C tank farms area. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Analysis Of Tank 38H (HTF-38-14-6, 7) And Tank 43H (HTF-43-14-8, 9) Samples For Support Of The Enrichment Control And Corrosion Control Programs

SRNL performed analysis on Tanks 38H and 43H surface and subsurface supernate samples to support ECP and CCP. The U-235 mass divided by the total U mass ranged from 0.0059 to 0.0060. Uranium concentration ranged from 53.1 mg/L in the Tank 43H surface sample to the 85.1 mg/L in the Tank 38H subsurface sample. The U-235/U and uranium concentration are in line with the prior 2H-Evaporator System ECP samples.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Permanganate Oxidation of Actual Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) Slurry Mix Evaporator Condensate Tank (SMECT) and Offgas Condensate Tank (OGCT) Samples to Remediate Glycolate

Savannah River Remediation (SRR) tasked Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) to examine glycolate destruction in radioactive samples emulating the proposed process. Experiments with radioactive Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) condensates were performed to demonstrate the oxidation of glycolate using sodium permanganate. One test each was performed for Off-Gas Condensate Tank (OGCT) and Slurry Mix Evaporator Condensate Tank (SMECT) samples received. Condensates were blended with Recycle Collection Tank (RCT) heel simulant and Slurry Mix Evaporator (SME) product containing glycolate to represent typical RCT compositions with estimated nominal entrainment of glycolate. A permanganate to glycolate (P/G) molar ratio targeting 5.7 decreased sample glycolate concentration below Ion Chromatography (IC), glycolate method reporting limits in less than 2 hours for the OGCT sample and in less than 8 hours for the SMECT sample.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Fiscal Year 2021 Filtration of Hanford Tank 241-AP-107 Supernatant Samples Obtained at Prototypic Tank Level and Filtered at 16 °C

Bench-scale filtration testing of 8.5 liters of supernatant from Hanford waste tank 241-AP-107, chilled to 16 °C, was conducted using a backpulse dead-end filter (BDEF) filtration system equipped with a feed vessel and a Mott inline filter Model 6610 (Media Grade 5) in the hot cells of the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. This was done to assess the impact of a lower sampling location within the tank as well the lowered filtration temperature on supernatant stability and fouling. The as-received samples were transferred to 1.5-liter poly bottles and held at 16 °C for approximately 1 week prior to filtration. The feed was filtered through the BDEF system at a targeted flux of 0.065 gpm/ft 2 to match the prototypic operation of the TSCR system. During the initial period of filtration, the differential pressure required to effect filtration at 0.065 gpm/ft 2 increased until it reached 2 psid [the Tank Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) action limit] at 26 hours. After this, the filter was backpulsed to dislodge accumulated solids and reduce this pressure differential. An additional eight backpulses were conducted during the initial filtration period; each time, the target pressure was reached sooner than during the previous interval. Volume filtered decreased from 0.9 to 0.03 m 3 /m 2 over the course of 14 processing hours. After the ninth backpulse, the backpulse frequency had become unsustainable, and it was decided to perform an extensive filter cleaning. The filter was cleaned by draining the chilled AP-107 feed into chilled holding containers, introducing 0.1 M NaOH into the feed vessel, and recirculating the NaOH through the system for 20 minutes before allowing the system to soak for 2 hours without temperature control. A measurable decrease in filter resistance during this recirculation indicated that the 0.1 M NaOH was likely dissolving some of the solids that had deposited on the filter. Post cleaning, the filter resistance was effectively restored to initial conditions as the initial transmembrane pressure was restored to original levels. However, resumed processing of the AP-107 feed at 16 °C continued to result in an increased rate of filter resistance. An additional five backpulses were conducted (four during feed processing, one during subsequent cleaning) before the conclusion of the test. Solids concentrated from the backpulse solutions displayed sodium oxalate-type phases, Al-oxides and sodium Al-oxides/carbonates, iron oxides, and Ca-bearing phases (calcite). The scanning electron microscopy analyses also revealed a large distribution of particles, with some particles, notably sodium phosphate dodecahydrate, having diameters close to 0.5 mm.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Characterization of the Soluble and Insoluble Portions of Solids from the Salt Waste Processing Facility Tank 201 and Tank 202 Samples

The Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF) Tank 201 and Tank 202 samples have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive x-ray (SEM/EDX), particle size analysis (PSA-Microtrac), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) spectroscopic techniques to characterize and identify organic and inorganic components in Tanks 201 and 202 as part of efforts to understand the problems occurring at SWPF due to the presence of solids in the recovered solvent.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Design criteria monograph for metal tanks and tank components

Significant elements in detail tank design are wall and end structures, weld joints at bulkhead and attachment junctures, and ports and access openings. Additional design considerations are influence and effect of fabrication processes on tank component design, and finally, testing and inspection that are required to establish confidence in tank design.

Source record↗

A feasibility study of developing toroidal tanks for a spinning spacecraft. Part 2: Evaluation of fluid behavior in spinning toroidal tanks

An experimental program was conducted for the purpose of evaluating propellant behavior characteristics in spinning toroidal tanks. The effects of typical mission requirements, and related phenomena upon propellant slosh and settling, and orientation and stability of the ullage were investigated in a subscale model tank under both one-g and low-g acceleration environments. Specific conditions included were axial acceleration, spin rate, spinrate change, and spacecraft wobble, both singly and in combination. Methanol and water in combination with appropriate spin-rates and accelerations of the scale model system were used to simulate the behavior of fluorine, nitrogen tetroxide, monomethylhydrazine, and hydrazine. The experimental results indicate that no major fluid behavior problems would be encountered with the use of toroidal tanks containing any of the four propellants in a proposed spin-stabilized orbiter spacecraft.

Anderson, J. E.↗

NASA Team Investigates an Enhanced Approach for Conducting Tank-to-Tank Transfers of Cryogens for Micro-Gravity Applications

NASA is putting emphases on reusable cryogenic systems to enable returning astronauts to the lunar surface, and eventually on to Mars. Such systems will require replenishing cryogens on-orbit via a cryogenic tanker or propellant depot, and potentially on the lunar and Martian surfaces with the utilization of in-situ resources. Replenishing cryogens on-orbit requires a tank-to-tank transfer which presents challenges due to thermal environments and the absence of gravity. If the transfer process is initiated with the receiving tank empty and at atmospheric temperature, it then must be chilled to cryogenic temperature to enable filling. Likewise, the transfer lines and associated hardware must be prechilled to assure liquid is transferred. Since prechilling results in propellant loss, it is preferred to minimize this process in interest of saving propellant mass. To simplify the operations associated with propellant transfer and explore potential mass savings, NASA has been experimenting with a new methodology which uses a Vented Chill/No-Vent Fill (VC/NVF) approach, and enhances the process using a 3-D printed spray injector augmented with a Thermodynamic Vent System (TVS).

Jonathan R Stephens↗