Waste Treatments - STD-1128-98master0240

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

may be banned from some radiologically contaminated plant areas because they would

generate mixed waste. The procurement organization might code all such materials red and

certain areas would be posted to indicate that the materials were not allowed.

Whatever the system, it is important that each employee be trained to effectively use the

system and that well-intentioned housekeeping efforts do not result in excessive waste

volumes.

8.4.3 Waste Treatments

The primary treatments for aqueous waste are

pH adjustment

liquid-solid separation such as flocculation and filtration

ion exchange

distillation

purification by reverse osmosis

solidification.

The primary treatments for organic solvents are:

-- Solvent extraction

-- filtration

-- incineration.

Virtually all of these processes (except pH adjustment) are likely to result in secondary

waste that requires treatment and/or disposal. In all cases, recycling of the primary solution

is desirable because it reduces monitoring cost and waste-disposal liability and cost. A brief

description of the use of each of these treatment methods is given below. Extensive design

and engineering should be done before any method is selected in order to ensure meeting

design objectives.

8.4.3.1 pH Adjustment

This treatment is used on aqueous systems to meet discharge limitations or to make

the solution amenable to other treatment. A mineral acid, such as sulfuric,

hydrochloric, or nitric, is normally used to lower the pH. A base, such as sodium,

potassium hydroxide, or occasionally ammonia, is used to raise the pH. The

solubility of some contaminants will be affected by the pH of the solution. For

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