In-Tank Peroxide Oxidation Process for the Decomposition of Tetraphenylborate in Tank 48H

DANIEL, LAMBERT

Savannah River Site (S.C.)

关键词: Copper;    Oxidation;    12 Management Of Radioactive Wastes, And Non-Radioactive Wastes From Nuclear Facilities;    Storage Facilities;    Waste Processing;   

DOI  :  10.2172/840799
RP-ID  :  WSRC-TR-2005-00114
RP-ID  :  AC09-96SR18500
RP-ID  :  840799

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Tank 48H return to service is critical to the processing of high level waste (HLW) at the Savannah River Site (SRS). Tank 48H currently holds legacy material containing organic tetraphenylborate (TPB) compounds from the operation of the In-Tank Precipitation process. The TPB was added during an in-tank precipitation process to removed soluble cesium, but excessive benzene generation curtailed this treatment method. This material is not compatible with the waste treatment facilities at SRS and must be removed or undergo treatment to destroy the organic compounds before the tank can be returned to routine Tank Farm service. Tank 48H currently contains approximately 240,000 gallons of alkaline slurry with approximately 19,000 kg (42,000 lb) of potassium and cesium tetraphenylborate (KTPB and CsTPB). Out of Tank processing of the Tank 48H has some distinct advantages as aggressive processing conditions (e.g., high temperature, low pH) are required for fast destruction of the tetraphenylborate. Also, a new facility can be designed with the optimum materials of construction and other design features to allow the safe processing of the Tank 48H waste. However, it is very expensive to build a new facility. As a result, an in-tank process primarily using existing equipment and facilities is desirable. Development of an in-tank process would be economically attractive. Based on success with Fentons Chemistry (i.e., hydrogen peroxide with an iron or copper catalyst to produce hydroxyl radicals, strong oxidation agents), testing was initiated to develop a higher pH oxidation process that could be completed in-tank.