Saltcake Dissolution FY 2002 Status Report

Abstract

Laboratory tests were completed on the dissolution characteristics of Hanford saltcake waste from single-shell waste tanks 241-B-109 and 241-SX-101 (henceforth referred to as B-109 and SX-101). The River Protection Project (RPP) is tasked with retrieving waste from double-shell and single-shell tanks to provide feed for vitrification. The RPP organization needs chemical and physical data to evaluate technologies for retrieving the waste. Little relevant laboratory testing has been done to evaluate in-tank dissolution parameters for the various types of saltcake wastes that exist in single-shell tanks. A computer modeling program known as the Environmental Simulation Program (ESP), produced by OLI Systems, Inc. of Morris Plains, New Jersey, is being used by the RPP organization to predict solubilities during dilution and retrieval of all tank waste types. Data from this task are provided to ESP users to support evaluation, refinement, and validation of the ESP model. Cascade (or ''stepwise'') dissolution tests were performed on composite saltcake samples from both tanks. The purpose of these tests is to evaluate the solid/liquid phase distribution of chemicals and radionuclides during tank waste retrieval operations. Solid phase identification tests were also performed on saltcake from both tanks. Weight percent (wt%) dilution is defined in this reportmore » as 100 times the weight of diluent (water or 2 M NaOH solution) divided by the weight of undiluted saltcake composite sample. A 50% dilution, for example, would be 50 g of H{sub 2}O (or 50 g of 2 M NaOH) added to 100 g of undiluted composite sample. Volume percent (Vol%) dilution is defined as 100 times the volume of diluent divided by the calculated volume of undiluted sample. Weight percent dilutions are measured directly by weighing the undiluted sample and diluent. Volume percent dilutions are estimated from the known volume of diluent and calculated volume of undiluted sample.« less