Continuous, real-time analysis of radioactive waste achieved at PNNL

September 13, 2006

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Monitoring system capable of working in complex, harsh environments

RICHLAND, Wash. – An improved monitoring system for providing continuous analysis of high-level radioactive waste has been developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory researchers and was reported at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society.

The system features on-line Raman spectroscopy that quickly generates real-time data and analysis. PNNL researcher, Samuel Bryan, says the monitoring system is capable of simultaneously and continuously quantifying the levels of all the chemically-significant anions within the waste, such as nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, carbonate, chromate, hydroxide, sulfate and aluminate. The total sodium ion concentration was determined independently by modeling inputs from on-line conductivity and density meters.

The system is adaptable to monitoring in a variety of harsh environments. Bryan notes that system components and analytical tools of the process monitor can be tailored to monitor a variety of complex mixtures such as pulp and paper processing liquids, electroplating solutions, as well as radioactive tank wastes.

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Samuel Bryan made his presentation at the 232nd ACS National Meeting in San Francisco, CA, Wednesday, September 13, at 8:30 a.m., at the Moscone Convention Center in Room 252/254.

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