Case Study
The Russian Government program for volume reduction of low level radioactive
waste includes as a primary requirement the reduction of solid radioactive
waste.
The volume reduction requirements for the solid waste are driven by the lack of
storage capacity at each site. The program requires a minimum of a 6:1 volume
reduction for mixed solid waste. Design constraints included the requirement to
meet all US, French and Russian code requirements for operation in nuclear
facilities.
| In order to assure that the volume reduction would be achieved, a 150,000 lb. compaction force was specified. US and Russian codes were reviewed and applicable requirements were integrated into the design. Specific safety codes had to be implemented to ensure complete confidence to our Russian customers. Another requirement of the design was a remote station for operation of the compactor. Tech Oil designed a swing out arm that supported the operator's station so he would remain a safe distance during operations. The Russian yards characterized the waste and, upon testing, actual volume reduction achieved with the units was 6:1 when waste (1/3 plastic, 1/3 rubber and 1/3 cloth) was compacted into 200 liter drums. This was achieved with zero distortion to the drum thanks to the patented design. | Licensing of US compaction equipment to operate in Russian nuclear facilities was a very difficult process. To ensure that the compactors met the Russian regulatory requirements, Russian regulatory experts, design engineers, and the yard directors were brought to the factory on separate occasions to review design documentation and to participate in the factory acceptance testing. A formal protocol was prepared by the Russian delegation that identified minor items that needed to be approved. Once the corrective measures were implemented, the licensing process was finalized. In 1999 ENVIRO-PAK® Compactors were the only approved US compactors licensed for operation in Russian nuclear facilities. |
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