- The DOE delivered over 10,000 gallons of sodium hydroxide to the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) in Hanford, Washington, initiating the “cold commissioning phase” to simulate waste processing.
- Sodium hydroxide will be used for treating hazardous liquids and in the vitrification process, converting 53 million gallons of waste into stable glass, following stringent safety protocols.
- The WTP will process waste by combining it with glass-forming materials, heating it to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, and pouring it into stainless steel containers for safe disposal, marking a significant step in mitigating the environmental impact of radioactive waste.
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has recently delivered a significant shipment of over 10,000 gallons of sodium hydroxide at its Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) in Hanford, Washington. This milestone marks the initiation of a crucial phase in the site’s development because the sodium hydroxide will serve as the first chemical to be introduced into the plant’s melters to simulate the processing of radioactive and chemical waste.
Mat Irwin, acting assistant manager for the DOE Office of Environmental Management’s WTP project, emphasized that this delivery is a precursor to several months of rigorous testing using simulated waste, known as the “cold commissioning phase.” His leadership is pivotal during this phase, and it is essential for preparing the facility to vitrify or transform into stable glass, which contains 53 million gallons of waste from Hanford’s underground tanks.
The long-term use of sodium hydroxide at the WTP will extend to treating hazardous liquids from the facility’s exhaust treatment system and those generated during the vitrification process. Although sodium hydroxide is widely used in many industries, it must be handled as a hazardous substance, requiring stringent safety protocols. The sodium hydroxide will be stored in an isolated tank at the WTP, ensuring compliance with the highest safety standards.
Upon reaching full operational capacity, the WTP will process waste from Hanford’s underground tanks by feeding it into the melters within the Low-Activity Waste Facility. The waste will undergo a meticulous process, ensuring every safety measure is in place: it will be combined with glass-forming materials, heated to an intense 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit, and then poured into stainless steel containers. These containers will be safely disposed of at Hanford’s Integrated Disposal Facility.
This systematic approach not only ensures the safe and effective treatment of hazardous materials but also marks a significant advancement in the DOE’s long-term mission to mitigate the environmental impact of historical radioactive waste.
