In-tank solidification of intermediate-activity wastes

Solidification of intermediate-activity wastes is a major goal of the CPD Waste Management Program. Plans are to reduce the wastes, by evaporation, to salt cakes in existing tanks, thereby insuring safe, long-term storage of contained fission products regardless.of tank integrity. Initiation of these plans at an early date is necessary to offset the expected increase in tank failures and to provide space for future wastes. Major decisions of the program relate to selection of the evaporative method to be employed. The requirements of in-tank solidification were therefore reviewed to determine if the choice of evaporative systems can be made at this time. The relative potential of Bentube evaporation and submerged combustion for meeting these requirements were analyzed on the basis of available information, including actual performance of the Bentube facility at the Savannah River Plant (SRP).