Maximum Volume Reduction for Low Level Wastes
  Perma-Fix Northwest Volume Reduction of Low Level Wastes is ideal for waste suitable for thermal treatment. At Perma-Fix Northwest, Bulk Processing Units (BPUs) have clear advantages in the areas of volume reduction, stability of final waste form, and burial site waste acceptance criteria. Since the BPU systems at Perma-Fix Northwest are integrated into a single facility, they can provide optimal processing of customer wastes.
  The Process

 

 Low level radioactive wastes, certified acceptable for thermal treatment, are placed in special burn containers and set inside one of the two BPUs. Each BPU will accept up to eight 55-gallon drums or a single B25 size box. Unlike standard burn units, wastes may be burned in their incoming containers allowing for total separation without cross contamination of customer’s wastes. This process also provides for safer handling of high dose rate and highly contaminated wastes as well as biological materials. The BPUs generally operates up to 1800 Degrees °F. Liquid may be injected into the burn chamber resulting in maximum volume reduction. Typical volume reductions range between 20-30:1 with significantly higher reductions achieved on higher organic content materials and liquids. The resulting residue makes excellent void space filler for non-thermally treated materials, such as supercompacted pucks and metals. When coupled with non-thermal treatment, Perma-Fix Northwest provides the best total solution for customer waste processing needs.
 

The Benefits

  • No disposal volume remaining for treatment of volatile nuclides such as H3, C14, Cl36, S35, iodines, and noble gases.
  • Volume reductions averaging 20-30:1 with significantly higher reductions for higher organic content materials and liquids.
  • Safe handling of high dose, high activity, and biological wastes.
  • Extensive Pollution Control Systems to ensure protection of the environment.
  • Provides final waste form that meets burial site waste acceptance criteria.
Perma-Fix Northwest
2025 Battelle Blvd. Richland, WA 99354   Phone: 509-375-5160  Fax: 509-375-0613