Damage Ratio

DOE-HDBK-3010-94

7.0 Application Examples; Liquid Storage and Ion Exchange Examples

a starting value of 7 g/l as it passes through the columns. In the elution cycle, initial

plutonium concentration is 0 and builds up to 60 g/l only at the exit of the last

column. It is not nonconservative to account for this reality. If the system works

like it is supposed to (i.e. plutonium absorbed on columns 1 and 2), it can be assumed

that 50% of the plutonium is absorbed or eluted in each column. Accordingly, for

loading, the inlet concentration to column 1 is 7 g/l, and the exit concentration to

column 2 is 3.5 g/l. The exit concentration to column 3 is 0 g/l, which yields

average concentrations for columns 1, 2, and 3 of 5.25 g/l, 1.75 g/l, and 0 g/l

respectively. For elution (reverse flow), the inlet and outlet concentrations for

column 3 are both 0 g/l, the exit concentration from column 2 is 30 g/l, and the exit

concentration from column 1 is 60 g/l. The average concentrations for columns 1, 2,

and 3 are therefore 45 g/l, 15 g/l, and 0 g/l respectively. The net effect of this

averaging is the same as assuming one column is filled with the maximum available

concentration, and the resulting estimates of plutonium in solution are:

Loading: 7 g/l * 19 l = 133 g

Elution: 60 g/l * 19 l = 1140 g

Greater plutonium loadings can be obtained if the system is being operated

abnormally. The maximum case occurs if the resin in column 1 is completely

depleted and columns 2 and 3 are absorbing all of the plutonium. In that case, the

average loading cycle concentrations for columns 1, 2, and 3 are 7 g/l, 5.25 g/l, and

1.75 g/l respectively. The average elution cycle concentrations for columns 1, 2, and

3 are 15 g/l, 45 g/l, and 60 g/l respectively. The net effect of these changes is to

double the values previously obtained as the assumption of one column having no

material is replaced by one column filled with the maximum concentration. The

MAR values are 266 g for loading, and 2280 g for elution.

Damage Ratio

The first key question regarding a damage ratio is how many columns will be

affected, and in what way? The initial degradation reaction will start in one of the

columns. There are three mechanisms by which other columns can be affected.

First, if the temperature of the liquid flowing from the affected column to the next

column in line is sufficiently high, it may initiate a resin exotherm in the next

column. Secondly, when the affected column ruptures, historical experience and

understanding of the phenomena indicate that at least some of the resin from the

damaged column will continue to burn on the glovebox floor. How much will burn

depends on whether the resin is grouped together to maintain local temperature above

the autoignition temperature, and on the effectiveness of available means of fire

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