The purpose of this document is to provide the function and requirements for the Radioactive Waste Test Platform (hereafter called “test platform”). Historically, testing has been performed at the bench scale with actual waste samples (Fiskum et al. 2006a, b, 2008, 2009; Lumetta et al. 2009; Edwards et al. 2009; Smith et al. 2000, 2001). These tests form the basis for waste treatment operations at the Hanford Site. However, since 2008, there has been limited capability to perform bench-scale tests with actual waste samples. Prior work has shown that simulants can provide useful information about the performance of unit operations; however, there have been examples in the past where simulants did not adequately capture the expected performance of the tank waste materials. Therefore, as the Hanford Site moves towards initiating treatment of tank waste, it is important to have a platform available that can evaluate process options utilizing tank waste samples. This platform can be utilized to evaluate processing options and to address troubleshooting for unexpected system performance. The initial operations for the test platform will be to contribute towards maturing the Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) feed qualification program and to demonstrate an option for disposition of the melter offgas stream. This equipment will be the ideal platform to evaluate additional process options including filtration operating conditions associated with precipitation, methods to extend resin lifetime associated with multi-cycle degradation, and evaluation of other approaches to minimize the impact of recycle streams from the effluent management system (including Tc) on melter performance.
Revised: January 22, 2019 |
Published: March 16, 2017