Sampling and Monitoring - STD-1128-98master0244

DOE-STD-1128-98

Guide of Good Practices for Occupational Radiological Protection in Plutonium Facilities

8.4.3.9 Incineration

Incineration is an ideal waste-management technique for combustible solvents and

other liquids that do not yield toxic or hazardous combustion products. The

volume reduction from feed material to ash is usually outstanding. Incinerators are

usually equipped with wet scrubbers, demisters, and filters to ensure that the

effluent released to the environment is acceptable and ALARA. These features

create secondary waste that must be dealt with, but the disposal efficiency usually

makes them well worthwhile.

8.4.4 Sampling and Monitoring

Sampling and monitoring of liquid waste streams are usually straightforward. Bulk liquid in

tanks must often be mixed, usually with a recirculating pump, before dip sampling to ensure

a representative sample. Liquid effluent streams are often sampled with a flow-proportional

sampler. For on-line monitoring, a small ion exchange column is used to concentrate ionic

contaminants, and a detector is placed on the column for gamma analysis.

8.4.5 Storage and Disposal

Sanitary liquids and those meeting disposal criteria may be released to the environment or to

sanitary waste treatment systems (sewerage systems). Hazardous liquid waste may be

shipped, with excess absorbent material in compliance with 40 CFR, to a licensed treatment

facility. Small quantities of radioactive-contaminated liquids, such as samples, may be

shipped in a similar way, but most liquid waste must be solidified prior to shipment or

disposal. It is preferable to store only solid waste, as well. The recommendations of

Table 8.3 are applicable to the storage of plutonium-containing liquids as well as solids. In

particular, where long-term storage of plutonium solutions may occur, even within glove

boxes, it is advisable to avoid plastic containers unless one can be certain that the alpha

radiation will not have degraded the container.

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