Tank Farm WM-182 and WM 183 Heel Slurry Samples PSD Results

Abstract

SUMMARYParticle size distribution (PSD) analysis of INTEC Tank Farm WM-182 and WM-183 heel slurry samples were performed using a modified Horiba LA-300 PSD analyzer at the RAL facility. There were two types of testing performed: typical PSD analysis, and settling rate testing.Although the heel slurry samples were obtained from two separate vessels, the particle size distribution results were quite similar. The slurry solids were from approximately a minimum particle size of 0.5 µm to a maximum of 230 µm-with about 90 % of the material between 2-to-133 µm, and the cumulative 50% value at approximately 20 µm. This testing also revealed that high frequency sonication with an ultrasonic element may break-up larger particles in the WM-182 and WM-183 tank farm heel slurries. This finding represents useful information regarding ultimate tank heel waste processing.Settling rate testing results were also fairly consistent with material from both vessels in that it appears that most of the mass of solids settle to an agglomerated, yet easily redispersed layer at the bottom. A dispersed and suspended material remained in the "clear" layer above the settled layer after about one-half an hour of settling time. This material had a statistical mode of approximately 5 µm and a maximum particle size of 30 µm.iv