Rapid characterization of mixed waste by FTIR-fiber optic method
Tank waste characterization requires various analytical systems to identify and quantify the chemical composition and water content of Hanford Site high-level waste. Safe long-term storage of the waste depends on its chemical and physical data. An analytical database is also the key to the design and implementation of pre-treatment and disposal processes. To provide a faster, cheaper, and safer technique to monitor the moisture content of tank waste, two types of near-infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance fiber optic probes interfaced to a Fouiier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry system were studied. Lower absorptivities in the NIR region enable longer pathlengths to be used leading to easier nondestructive sampling. Both overtone and combination bands Of Water can be used for moisture measurements. While a previous report` provides evidence for the feasibility of using fiber optic probes, the results were strictly qualitative. In this study, the fiber optic probe is installed in a hot cell making it possible to characterize highly radioactive mixed waste rapidly and quantitatively. In seeking a strategy to identify individual species in the waste with minimal sample preparation, a modular transfer optic system equipped with a mid-infrared diffuse reflectance sampler was assessed. Light pipes were used to present the sample to the FTIR spectrometer. Its performance for obtaining rapid, high quality mid-infrared (MIR) spectra of mixed waste is compared with FTIR- photoacoustic spectroscopy.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Hanford Co., Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-96RL13200
- OSTI ID:
- 329784
- Report Number(s):
- WHC-SA-3057-FP; CONF-960804-; ON: DE98057551; BR: EW0000000; TRN: 96000534
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: SPECTRUM `96: international conference on nuclear and hazardous waste management, Seattle, WA (United States), 18-23 Aug 1996; Other Information: PBD: 26 Jul 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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