Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Keith K McDaniel

Eugene E Smeltzer

Michael C Skriba

Charles T Nentwig

Stephen G Pearre

Edgar M Cloeren, Iii

A process is described for reducing the volume of spent ion exchange resins containing radioactive contaminants, and a filter aid having groups reactive with the functional groups of the resins. Spent ion exchange resin and the filter aid are dewatered, then subject to a pressure of about 2000 psi in conjunction with 250.degree. C. heat to reduce the volume occupied by the resin by up to a factor of 5 and impart rewet stability.

Ion exchange resin volume reduction

A process is described for the solidification of concentrated boric acid waste solutions. The waste solution must have a boric acid concentration greater than 30% by weight. Sodium metasilicate is added to the boric acid waste solution and is mixed; a dry, hard product is formed. The process is not hindered by the presence of up to 40% dewatered bead resins.

High concentration boric acid solidification process

Described is an apparatus for removal of liquid from a waste burial container holding a slurry of waste material. Constructed inside the container are multiple layers of porous plastic pipe having pores of predetermined size and having the pipe extend radially from a central hub. The porous plastic pipe is supported internally by a sleeve in contact with the pipe inner wall at the pipe's hub end and a rod of smaller diameter running the length of the pipe. The hubs rest on plates that are affixed to vertical supports. Each hub is connected to a liquid removal system that includes piping and a header for applying a vacuum to draw the liquid from the slurry.

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Laurel, MD, United States of America

Keith K McDaniel