Technical feasibility of transuranic tank waste processing in high-level waste vitrification facility

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the technical feasibility of processing transuranic tank waste in a high-level waste vitrification facility. This is achieved by performing an impact assessment of a reference case high-level waste facility modified to separately process transuranic waste. Data are presented for

Decision document for transuranic tank waste disposal

“…The TRU waste does meet the criteria of being greater than 100 nCi per gram of transuranic radionuclides. Also, it meets the radiation dose rate criteria to be remote handled waste instead of contact handled waste (Crawford and Manuel 1996).…”

“…It is assumed that HLW and TRU waste can be vitrified in the same facility with only minor modifications (Crawford and Manuel 1996). The two waste types would be processed in campaigns to minimize cross contamination.…”

“…(Orme 1995) that segregated the TRU waste from the HLW (Crawford and Manuel 1996). Cases 2b and 2c used the same HLW and TRU waste volume algorithms as Case 2a, but different input variables (see Table A-2).…”

“…The HLW canister holds approximately 1.26 m3 of immobilized waste and costs approximately $lO,OOO (1995 dollars) per canister (Crawford 1995). The WIPP requires the TRU waste to be packaged in a smaller canister that is estimated to hold 0.71 m3 of immobilized waste (Crawford and Manuel 1996) and costs approximately $7,000 (1995 dollars) per canister.…”

“…Seven single-shell tanks (SSTs) and three double-shell tanks (DSTs) have been identified as potentially containing TRU waste, based on a conservative interpretation of the definitions of HLW and TRU wastes (Colburn 1995). The technical feasibility of immobilizing insoluble TRU tank waste in a HLW vitrification facility has been confirmed (Crawford and Manuel 1996). This report summarizes the TRU waste cost/benefit analysis.…”