OVERCOMING CHALLENGES RELATED TO INTEGRATION OF THE SALT WASTE PROCESSING FACILITY INTO EXISTING LIQUID WASTE FACILITIES AT SAVANNAH RIVER SITE
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Report for NDEP
Report prepared for NDEP
BIO-Plex is a ground-based test bed currently under development by NASA for testing technologies and practices that may be utilized in future long-term life support missions. All aspects of such an Advanced Life Support (ALS) System must be considered to confidently construct a reliable system, which will not only allow the crew to survive in harsh environments, but allow the crew time to perform meaningful research. Effective handling of solid wastes is a critical aspect of the system, especially when recovery of resources contained in the waste is required. This is particularly important for ALS Systems configurations that include a Biomass Production Chamber. In these cases, significant amounts of inedible biomass waste may be produced, which can ultimately serve as a repository of necessary resources for sustaining life, notably carbon, water, and plant nutrients. Numerous biological and physicochemical solid waste processing options have been considered. Biological options include composting, aerobic digestion, and anaerobic digestion. Physicochemical options include pyrolysis, SCWO (supercritical water oxidation), various incineration configurations, microwave incineration, magnetically assisted gasification, and low temperature plasma reaction. Modeling of these options is a necessary step to assist in the design process. A previously developed top-level model of BIO-Plex implemented in MATLAB Simulink (r) for the use of systems analysis and design has been adopted for this analysis. Presently, this model only considered incineration for solid waste processing. Present work, reported here, includes the expansion of this model to include a wider array of solid waste processing options selected from the above options, bearing in mind potential, near term solid waste treatment systems. Furthermore, a trade study has also been performed among these solid waste processing technologies in an effort to determine the ideal technology for long-term life support missions.
The Savannah River Site has been successfully processing and immobilizing nuclear waste since 1996. However, recent developments in both the scientific understanding of chemical principles and the engineering of immobilizing nuclear-waste systems demand a review of the state of the art. These recent advances have significance to other locations that immobilize nuclear waste. Here, the subject matter of this review may find special applicability to chemical engineers interested in hazardous chemical processes (such as processing toxic and radioactive nuclear waste) and to those in the nuclear industry curious about current research in nuclear-waste processing at a site that has eclipsed the quarter-century mark of large-scale (136 million L total) nuclear-waste processing.
Prior to the processing of Sludge Batch 9 (SB9) with Frit 803 at the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF), assessments and experimental glass work were completed to support SB9 coupled processing with streams from the Actinide Removal Process (ARP) and Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU). This previous work did not address coupled processing with streams from the Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF) because the Product Composition Control System (PCCS) models limited the TiO2 concentration in glass to 2 weight percent (wt.%). These high activity streams from SWPF include monosodium titanate (MST) and sludge solids from the Sludge Solids Receipt Tank (SSRT) as well as Cscontaining strip effluent (SE). The SWPF streams are expected to reach TiO2 concentrations in glass greater than 2 wt.% based on an MST strike of 0.4 g MST/L of salt solution. Therefore, revisions to the models contained in PCCS were completed to allow the evaluation of glasses containing greater than 2 wt.% TiO2, but less than 6 wt.%. Since the initial SB9 qualification for ARP-MCU coupled operation, additional Tank 40 analyses have been completed, which served as the basis for an updated projection of the SB9 blend composition in Tank 40. This projection will be used to support SB9 coupled operation with SWPF in 2019. Savannah River Remediation (SRR) has requested that the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) select a second frit to optimize SB9 coupled operation with SWPF. The selected frit would provide operational flexibility by allowing an acceptable waste loading (WL) to be targeted while maintaining an operating window of at least ± 4 percentage points around this target. The objective of this study was to select a second frit based on a paper-study utilizing Measurement Acceptance Region (MAR) assessments with DWPF PCCS. To support these assessments, SRNL developed a new method for rigorous and directed optimization of frit compositions, which allowed for rapid screening and an assessment of a large array of candidate frits, and the ability to simultaneously satisfy the following single and double MST strike operating scenarios.
The aqueous waste from the Salt Waste Processing Facility is sampled semiannually for transfers to the Saltstone Disposal Facility. Salt solution is treated at the Saltstone Production Facility and disposed of in the Saltstone Disposal Facility. Per request of customer, X-TTR-Z-00027, Revision 0, one Saltstone Processing Facility Decontaminated Salt Solution and Z area premix material for the October 2025 semiannual Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure sample. The sample contained 60:40 (by weight) of slag and fly ash (referred to as the “Cement-Free grout sample”). Results from the technical report support Task 2: ‘Grout Leaching Analyses’ of the Task Technical Request prepared by Savannah River Mission Completion. At 51 days cured, the Saltstone sample was collected and shipped to a certified laboratory for analysis using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure. The October 2025 Semiannual Cement-Free grout sample met 61 79.268.48 requirements for a non-hazardous waste form with respect to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act metals and Underlying Hazardous Constituents and met the Saltstone Production Facility Waste Acceptance Criteria that was in effect at the time of the sample collection at the Salt Waste Processing Facility.
For Sludge Batches 3 through 8, the sulfate (SO 4 2- )solubility limit for the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) has been determined by laboratory-scale crucible testing. In preparation for Sludge Batch 9 (SB9) processing, a comparison demonstrated that minor compositional differences existed between the Sludge Batch 8 (SB8)-Frit 803 and SB9-Frit 803 glass composition regions for sludge-only and coupled operations with the Actinide Removal Process (ARP) and Modular Caustic Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU). Thus, no experimental testing was necessary and the SB8 SO 4 2- limit of 0.65 wt.% was recommended for SB9 processing. This previous SB9 assessment did not address coupled processing with streams from the Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF), which is anticipated to start operations in November 2019. These high activity streams will include monosodium titanate (MST) and sludge solids from the Sludge Solids Receipt Tank (SSRT) as well as Cs-containing strip effluent (SE). The incorporation of these SWPF streams is expected to reach TiO 2 concentrations in glass greater than 2 wt.% based on single and double MST strike scenarios. In support of coupled operation with SWPF, the DWPF Product Composition Control System was revised and allows a TiO 2 concentration of up to 6 wt.% (minus measurement uncertainty) in glass. For the SB8-Frit 803 SO 4 2- solubility study, the maximum TiO 2 concentration evaluated was 0.94 wt.%. Since the influence of increased TiO 2 on the retention of SO 4 2- in the SB9 glass region is unknown, a test matrix of ten glass compositions has been proposed to determine whether the 0.65 wt.% SO 4 2- limit is still appropriate for SB9 coupled operation with SWPF. This report documents the development of a test matrix that will support this study.
The Hanford Site is implementing a phased process for treating liquid legacy radioactive waste. The process is called the Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste process (DFLAW). The DFLAW includes a filtration and ion-exchange unit in the Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System (LAWPS) that removes solids and cesium. This pretreat feed is then sent to a vitrification facility where glass-forming solids are added and the waste is turned into glass in a melter. The melter off-gas liquid condensate is evaporated in the Effluent Management Facility (EMF), with the concentrate recycled back into the feed. A laboratory-scale test platform has been built to test various aspects of the DFLAW process using samples of actual radioactive waste. The current platform represents four of the major unit operations: filtration, ion-exchange, vitrification, and off-gas condensation. A lab scale EMF is being designed to supplement the current platform. The platform is expandable to add any or all unit operations. The radioactive test platform has three missions. The first is simply to demonstrate the DFLAW process with real waste. A second objective is to address flowsheet gaps and opportunities, some of which require testing with real waste. Some gaps and opportunities include addressing the fate of mercury in the flowsheet, evaluating salt and aluminum precipitation, and proving new glass formulations with real waste. A third objective of the radioactive test platform is to demonstrate or evaluate future operations and alternative flowsheets. Some of the future operations evaluated will be the life expectancy of the resin in real waste, resin sampling, evaluation of how waste affects melter throughput, and grouting various primary and secondary waste streams. The radioactive test platform is therefore a crucial tool for verifying and optimizing the DFLAW flowsheet at Hanford with real waste. (authors)
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.
A comprehensive study of advanced water recovery and solid waste processing techniques employed in both aerospace and domestic or commercial applications is reported. A systems approach was used to synthesize a prototype system design of an advanced water treatment/waste processing system. Household water use characteristics were studied and modified through the use of low water use devices and a limited amount of water reuse. This modified household system was then used as a baseline system for development of several water treatment waste processing systems employing advanced techniques. A hybrid of these systems was next developed and a preliminary design was generated to define system and hardware functions.
An Extraction, Scrub, and Strip (ESS) test was performed on a sample of Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF) Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction (CSSX) solvent and salt simulant to determine cesium distribution ratios (D(Cs)), and cesium concentration in the strip effluent (SE) and decontaminated salt solution (DSS) streams; this data will be used by Parsons to help determine if the solvent is qualified for use at the SWPF. The ESS test showed acceptable performance of the solvent for extraction, scrub, and strip operations. The extraction D(Cs) measured 12.9, exceeding the required value of 8. This value is consistent with results from previous ESS tests using similar solvent formulations. Similarly, scrub and strip cesium distribution ratios fell within acceptable ranges.
An Extraction, Scrub, and Strip (ESS) test was performed on a sample of Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF) Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction (CSSX) solvent and salt simulant to determine cesium distribution ratios (D( Cs )), and cesium concentration in the strip effluent (SE) and decontaminated salt solution (DSS) streams; this data will be used by Parsons to help determine if the solvent is qualified for use at the SWPF. The ESS test showed acceptable performance of the solvent for extraction, scrub, and strip operations. The extraction D( Cs ) measured 12.5, exceeding the required value of 8. This value is consistent with results from previous ESS tests using similar solvent formulations. Similarly, scrub and strip cesium distribution ratios fell within acceptable ranges. This revision was created to correct an error. The previous revision used an incorrect set of temperature correction coefficients which resulted in slight deviations from the correct D( Cs ) results.
Abstract This review examines the characterization and utilization of chestnut processing wastes (35%) in the production of bioplastics and biocomposites. In this review, a Web of Science search without any publishing year restriction on the biochemical compositions of all the components of Castanea sativa . The obtaining of bioplastics and biocomposites based on C. sativa was reviewed. First, it highlights the biochemical composition and antioxidant properties of chestnut fruit, shell, burrs, leaves, flowers, and wood focusing on the most important compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, Klason lignin, cellulose, and glucan, which can enhance the properties of these materials. Then the review covers using several chestnut extracts and fillers in bioplastics production through solvent casting technique. The mechanical, structural, bioactive properties, and moisture content were optimized through the composition and production. The color, UV absorption, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity were also discussed. Biocomposites reinforced with chestnut burs, shells, or wood flour increased the intended properties. The enhancements in tensile strength, elastic modulus, and the effects of a pre‐treatment were evaluated. Additionally, it discusses material recovery, recycling, and reuse, particularly how it affects the biodegradability of composites incorporating chestnut waste residues. Highlights Chestnut fruit, shells, and burrs are rich in starch, lignin, and cellulose. The waste of chestnut processing can be used in bioplastics and biocomposites. Chestnut‐based films and biocomposites exhibit promising mechanical properties. The antimicrobial activity, making films, and composites proper for food packaging. New techniques boost performance, offering alternatives to conventional plastics.
Report prepared for NDEP
Two Salt Waste Processing Facility (SWPF) Tank 201 samples were collected from the replacement of the decontaminated salt solution (DSS) coalescer at different times; one in December of 2021 and the other in August 2022. The December 2021 sample was collected after nitric and water flushing of the DSS Coalescer. The Aug 2022 sample was collected after water flushing only. The December 2021 Tank 201 solids were previously characterized and documented. SWPF requested the characterization of the August 2022 Tank 201 sample, and the comparison of the characterization results for these two Tank 201 solids collected at different dates.
Two closure welds on filled Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) canisters failed to be within the acceptance criteria in the DWPF operating procedure SW4-15.80-2.3 (1). In one case, the weld heat setting was inadvertently provided to the canister at the value used for test welds (i.e., 72%) and this oversight produced a weld at a current of nominally 210 kA compared to the operating procedure range (i.e., 82%) of 240 kA to 263 kA. The second weld appeared to experience an instrumentation and data acquisition upset. The current for this weld was reported as 191 kA. Review of the data from the Data Acquisition System (DAS) indicated that three of the four current legs were reading the expected values, approximately 62 kA each, and the fourth leg read zero current. Since there is no feasible way by further examination of the process data to ascertain if this weld was actually welded at either the target current or the lower current, a test plan was executed to provide assurance that these Nonconforming Welds (NCWs) meet the requirements for strength and leak tightness. Acceptance of the welds is based on evaluation of Test Nozzle Welds (TNW) made specifically for comparison. The TNW were nondestructively and destructively evaluated for plug height, heat tint, ultrasonic testing (UT) for bond length and ultrasonic volumetric examination for weld defects, burst pressure, fractography, and metallography. The testing was conducted in agreement with a Task Technical and Quality Assurance Plan (TTQAP) (2) and applicable procedures.
This paper documents experiences at Savannah River Site (SRS) related to both the modification and use of a commercial remote vehicle to remove years of process-related litter (glass and various objects) from a hot cell floor during a production outage. The outage was necessary to replace a Department of Energy Environmental Management (DOE-EM) remotely-operated glass melter that had vitrified waste for 14 years at the Defense Waste Processing Facility. Both chunks of waste glass and numerous items littered the floor of the cell all associated with the long production run. The presence of litter become problematic as it could eventually impede movement or placement of items necessary to continue facility operation. The cleanup also reduces radiation rates within the hot cell which is beneficial. (authors)