Hydrogen control in the handling, shipping and storage of wet radioactive waste
To ensure that flammable gas mixtures will not exist in canisters planned for the transport of TMI-2 core debris, Rockwell Hanford Operations conducted a demonstration test program to determine which catalysts and bed configurations would be acceptable and near optimum under wet conditions. These studies demonstrated the simplicity and effectiveness of catalytic recombination of hydrogen and oxygen, even under very wet conditions. The stoichiometric reaction of these gases in the container atmosphere maintains the minimum constituent (either hydrogen or oxygen) below 1%, and ensures that flammable mixtures (>4.1% H/sub 2/ and 5.0% O/sub 2/) will not be attained. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Inspection and Enforcement (I and E) has established requirements for the shipment of waste materials subject to hydrogen gas generation. This I and E notice establishes a safe-shipping time period that is twice the expected shipping and handling period to ensure safety during shipment. Hydrogen and oxygen concentrations ''must be determined by tests and measurement or by analysis of a representative package.'' The concentration of hydrogen gas must be limited to 5% by volume or the concentration of oxygen gas must be limited to 5% by volume. This document is intended to convey the pertinent information concerning the handling and shipping of wet radioactive wastes which resulted from the TMI-2 experience. It provides engineering tools, procedures, and precautions that are intended to ensure the safe handling, shipping and storage of wet radioactive wastes. A step-wise procedure is presented that permits the individual investigator to evaluate the potential for flammable gas generation, and to minimize potential hazards, with the intent of meeting the referenced NRC requirements. 21 refs., 10 figs., 6 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Rockwell International Corp., Richland, WA (USA). Rockwell Hanford Operations
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-77RL01030
- OSTI ID:
- 6316573
- Report Number(s):
- RHO-WM-EV-9-P; ON: DE86005235
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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