DWPF Glass Air‐Lift Pump Life Cycle Testing and Plant Implementation

Abstract

Due to the accelerated cleanup at the Savannah River Site (SRS), efforts are underway to increase the glass melt rate and hence the high level waste processing throughput at the SRS Defense Waste Processing Plant Facility (DWPF). One of the proposed process/equipment improvements is a glass airlift pump. The use of a glass airlift pump to increase melt rate in the DWPF Melter has been investigated via several techniques including lab scale testing on various melters. The final test before implementation in DWPF was a long-term life cycle test (several months in duration) on a full size pump. The airlift pump was successfully tested and no major problems were found. Based on this test a unit was designed and fabricated for DWPF and was installed in the DWPF Melter in February 2004.

DWPF Melter Glass Pump Implementation and Design Improvement

“…This was the same flow rate used in the previously mentioned life cycle test. 3 At this time DWPF was processing a mixture of radioactive sludge named Sludge Batch 2 (SB2) and a fritted glass called Frit 320. The feed was designated SB2/Frit 320.…”

“…The life cycle testing lasted for 72 days and the subsequent inspection of the pump showed no major problems. 3 Anticipated benefits to DWPF of the air-lift pump were:…”