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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Flammable gas safety issue review tank 241-SY-101

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6689673

Flammable gases are produced and accumulated and are sporadically released from some Hanford Site high-level nuclear waste storage tanks, particularly the tank designated 241-SY-101, known. generally as tank 101-SY. This condition has existed since this tank was first filled in the time period 1977--1980. During a general review of waste tank chemical stability in 1988--1989, this situation was re-examined and, in March 1990, the condition was declared to be an unreviewed safety question (USQ). Tank 101-SY was placed under special operating restrictions, and a program of investigation was begun to evaluate the condition and determine appropriate courses of action. This report summarizes the understanding of tank 101-SY, which has been developed as of this date, and outlines the criteria and program of additional work to resolve the flammable gas issue with respect to this tank. This report deals with the hazard of flammable gas fire or explosion, and the consequent potential for radioactive material release. Safety evaluations for tank 101-SY operations incorporate consideration of toxic hazardous materials as well; but this topic is not included in the scope of this report.

Research Organization:
Westinghouse Hanford Co., Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-87RL10930
OSTI ID:
6689673
Report Number(s):
WHC-EP-0578; ON: DE93008838
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English