An evaluation of neutralization for processing sodium-bearing liquid waste

Technical Report · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6499861· OSTI ID:6499861

Chipman, N A; Engelgau, G O; Berreth, J R

This report addresses an alternative concept for potentially managing the sodium-bearing liquid waste generated at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant from the current method of calcining a blend of sodium waste and high-level liquid waste. The concept is based on removing the radioactive components from sodium-bearing waste by neutralization and grouting the resulting low-level waste for on-site near-surface disposal. Solidifying the sodium waste as a remote-handled transuranic waste is not considered to be practical because of excessive costs and inability to dispose of the waste in a timely fashion. Although neutralization can remove most radioactive components to provide feed for a solidified low-level waste, and can reduce liquid inventories four to nine years more rapidly than the current practice of blending sodium-bearing liquid waste with first-cycle raffinite, the alternative will require major new facilities and will generate large volumes of low-level waste. Additional facility and operating costs are estimated to be at least $500 million above the current practice of blending and calcining. On-site, low-level waste disposal may be technically difficult and conflict which national and state policies. Therefore, it is recommended that the current practice of calcining a blend of sodium-bearing liquid waste and high-level liquid waste be continued to minimize overall cost and process complexities. 17 refs., 4 figs., 16 tabs.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Idaho Nuclear Co., Inc., Idaho Falls (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-84ID12435
• OSTI ID: 6499861
• Report Number(s): WINCO-1062; ON: DE89006698
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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CHEMICAL EFFLUENTS
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