Improving Efficiency of DWPF Operations via Automating Process Calculations and Vitrifying High-Curie Feed- 24529

Abstract

The Liquid Waste Organization (LWO) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) uses a “Power As One®” motto to process and dispose of radioactive waste. The Defense Waste and Processing Facility (DWPF) treats the high-level waste through a process of vitrification. The DWPF receives three incoming waste streams that are added to the Sludge Receipt and Adjustment Tank (SRAT): sludge, Monosodium Titanate/Sludge Solids (MST/SS), and Strip Effluent (SE). The liquid waste is mixed with pre-fabricated frit and treated with high temperatures in the melter prior to being poured into stainless steel canisters. The liquid cools to form solid glass within these canisters that are suitable for long-term storage and disposal. Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), the SRS liquid waste contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy, has implemented several facility improvements to further enhance the operations to support the Liquid Waste Operation (LWO) mission. Two of these operational enhancements include implementing the electronic Material Tracking Program Calculator (eMTPC)software and increasing the DWPF canister heat rate limit.