HANDSS-55: A TRU WASTE REPACKAGING SYSTEM FOR THE SAVANNAHRIVER SITE

摘要

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) funds technology development to meet its clean uprnobjectives through the Office of Science and Technology (OST). OST has set up focus areas andrncross cuts reflecting the major problem and technology development areas within the DOErncomplex. The Transuranic and Mixed Waste Focus Area (TMFA) works to deliver engineeringrnand technological solutions to DOE sites related to the characterization, treatment and disposal ofrnboth transuranic and mixed waste. The TMFA works with the individual DOE sites to identifyrntheir technology needs. Many DOE sites have similar problem areas, and the TMFA works tornefficiently use the DOE’s funds for technology development to have the greatest complex widernimpact.rnThe focus areas utilize the cross cutting programs for technical expertise to identify and forecastrntechnology development. The TMFA works with the Robotics Cross Cutting Program (RBX) tornsolve the handling issues related to preparing mixed waste for treatment and disposal. ThernTMFA and RBX are currently developing a Handling and Segregating System for 55-gallonrndrums of mixed waste (HANDSS-55) for use at the Savannah River Site (SRS).rnHANDSS-55 is a waste sorting and repackaging system to prepare transuranic mixed waste forrndisposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). HANDSS-55 is a remotely operated systemrnthat opens 55-gallon drums of mixed waste, transfers the contents to a sorting table, removes thernnon-compliant items, volume reduces the excess containers, and repackages the waste intornpolyethylene canisters. The system is divided into four modules: 1) the Waste Sorting Module, 2)rnthe TRU Waste Repackaging Module 3) the Process Waste Reduction Module and 4) the SystemrnIntegration and Control Module. HANDSS-55 is being developed by three teams: 1) the IdahornNational Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, 2) the Savannah River Technology Center,rnand 3) the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The four modules will be integrated andrndemonstrated at the Western Environmental Technology Office (WETO) of DOE at Butte,rnMontana. After demonstration at WETO, HANDSS-55 will be deployed by SRS.rnSRS is a dedicated end user and an active participant in the HANDSS-55 development effort.rnSRS has not only participated in the development but is also providing in-kind funding forrncontainment structures and ancillary equipment. The HANDSS-55 development effort is arnsuccessful pilot for joint cooperation between focus areas and crosscuts, utilizing multi-siterndevelopment teams, with strong end user involvement from the project’s conception.