Maximum Volume Reduction for Non-Thermal Processing
Perma-Fix Northwest Non-Thermal Processing is ideal for waste not suitable for thermal treatment, or for those customers specifically requesting non-thermal treatment of their wastes. The supercompaction services of Perma-Fix Northwest employ shredders, pre-compactors, and the SuperCompactor. Acceptable waste streams include dry active waste, asbestos-containing material, light-gauge metals, filters, and filter media.

 

 The Process
Radioactive waste is thoroughly sorted to remove items non-compliant with disposal site criteria. Depending on final material size requirements, waste may be placed in drums and pre-compacted to an average density of 20-30 lbs/ft³. Drummed waste is transferred to the supercompaction area where it is loaded into the horizontal drum press and volume reduced under 1500 tons of force across the surface area of the drum, thus achieving near theoretical density of processed material. The result is a drum “puck” which has an average outgoing density of 45-50 lbs/ft³ for low density wastes and greater than 100 lbs/ft³ for higher density wastes (i.e., metals).

Average volume reduction achieved on waste is 6-8:1. The supercompacted drums are then overpacked, surveyed, and labeled to prepare waste for final disposition.

 

The Benefits

  • Ideal for wastes not suitable for thermal processing
  • Volume reductions of approximately 6-8:1, with a processing rate of 12 drums/hour
  • Denser waste form provides for more stable final macroencapsulation
  • 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