Chemical Preparation and Storage

DOE-HDBK-3010-94

Appendix B; Plutonium Recovery Facility

Residues for recovery are generally handled in a manner very similar to TRU waste except

that storage must occur in the button vault or in the PVF.

2.2.3.3 C h em ical P rep aration an d S torage

Chemical preparation and storage is carried out in the outside chemical tank farm and on the

second floor of the H-1 building. The outside chemical tank farm contains the following

large storage tanks:

64% Nitric Acid

4000

gallons

35% Nitric Acid

8000

gallons

35% Nitric Acid

8000

gallons

35% Potassium Hydroxide

5500

gallons

100% Hydrofluoric Acid

1500

gallons

Liquid Nitrogen

3500

gallons

Liquid Nitrogen

3500

gallons

From the storage tank, -380 F liquid nitrogen is vaporized in an evaporator that is part of

the package unit. Nitrogen gas is generated at 90 psig and enters the plant supply manifold.

One header takes 90 psig nitrogen to pressurize chemical storage tanks for transfer to the H-1

building. Another branch reduces pressure to 15 psig for transfer of nitrogen into the H-1

building. This branch enters the building in the utility room where it passes through one of

two dryer units before entering the building header.

All of the process chemical storage tanks are transferred into the H-1 building by nitrogen

overpressure. The tanks are equipped with level and pressure indicators, overflow lines,

relief valves, and are surrounded by dikes designed to hold the majority of the material in

each tank. The HF storage system will be discussed in greater detail in the next section.

A diagram of the second floor of the H-1 building is presented again as Figure B.16. The

individual storage tanks located on the second floor are noted on the diagram and listed

below:

Tank Farm

Volume (l)

Transfer Method

Tank Farm #1

N-1 64% Nitric Acid Storage -

1500

Pump

N-2 35% Nitric Acid Storage -

4000

Pump

N-3 4% Nitric Acid Storage -

1500

Pump

Page B-55