Evaluation of the Sludge Batch 9-Frit 803 Variability Study Glasses with the Revised Defense Waste Processing Facility Product Composition Control System

Abstract

Compositionally, Sludge Batch 8 (SB8) and Sludge Batch 9 (SB9) are similar. Frit 803 was developed for SB8, and was subsequently confirmed for SB9 processing at a waste loading target of 36% ± 4 percentage points. The SB9 -Frit 803 experimental variability study was issued in 2016. Durability measurements from these glasses were assessed to demonstrate the applicability of the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) Product Composition Control System (PCCS) durability models for the SB9 -Frit 803 glass system, and the acceptability of the glasses with respect to the Environmental Assessment glass in terms of durability, as defined by Product Consistency Test (PCT).Recently, the technical basis document for PCCS was revised to allow for coupled processing with the Salt Waste Processing Facility. The revision of that document includes modifications to the durability models. A task is currently underway at DWPF to revise and align PCCS with the updated models and logic from the new technical basis document. Prior to the implementation of the revised PCCS for SB9 -Frit 803 processing at DWPF, the applicability of the new durability models must be demonstrated. This document provides the assessment of durability measurements from the SB9 -Frit 803 variability study glasses to demonstrate the applicability of the revised durability models to this glass system. Almost all the PCT results are well predicted by the revised durability models (i.e., fall within the 95% confidence band). Five out of the thirty variability study glasses exhibit some normalized concentrations (NC B and/or NC Li ) that fall slightly outside of the lower 95% confidence band, which indicates that the models conservatively predicted the durability results. Similar trends were observed for glasses VSL-SB8-22, SB9VS05, and SB9VS08 in the SB8 and SB9 variability studies. Therefore, the revised PCCS durability models are deemed applicable to the SB9 -Frit 803 glass system.

Selection of glasses in support of the Sludge Batch 9 variability study for coupled operation with the Salt Waste Processing Facility

“…8 To support the implementation of the revised PCCS for SB9 -Frit 803 processing at DWPF prior to SWPF startup, the applicability of the new durability models for the SB9 variability study glasses was verified. 9 Since the initial SB9 qualification for ARP-MCU coupled operation, additional Tank 40 analyses have been completed, which served as the basis for an updated projection 7 of the SB9 blend composition in Tank 40.…”