Sodium-Bearing Waste Steam Reformer Treatment Process

摘要

Sodium Bearing Waste (SBW) is a liquid mixed radioactive waste, containing radioactive and hazardous constituents as well as large quantities of sodium, aluminum, and potassium nitrates. The SBW process is comprised of a dual steam reformer system that will receive, treat, and convert inorganic and trace organic materials in the liquid SBW using the patented THOR~R process into a dry solid suitable for packaging, shipment, and disposal. The SBW steam reforming process destroys nitric acid, nitrates, and organic materials present in the SBW, and produces a dry, solid carbonate product. The steam reforming process has been proven to efficiently handle, process, and immobilize the radionuclides, sodium, potassium, sulfate, chlorides, fluorides, and non-volatile heavy metals into a stable matrix. In addition, the process converts nitric acid and nitrates to nitrogen gas in the reformers. The trace amounts of organic material in the SBW are converted to carbon dioxide and water vapor in the steam reforming process. The off-gases (mainly carbon dioxide, water, nitrogen, and oxygen) from the process are filtered through sintered metal filters, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, sulfur-impregnated granulated activated carbon, and are then vented to the atmosphere through a stack.