Description of Operations

DOE-HDBK-3010-94

Appendix B; H-21 TRU Waste Facility

4.2 D E S C R I PT I ON O F O P E R A T I ON S

The H-21 TRU-Waste Facility serves as a radioactive and hazardous waste and shipping

facility and prepares new certified waste drums for plant-wide use. The building is in

operation 24 hours per day for five days each week. The real-time radiography unit is used

to evaluate the contents of waste drums.

4.2.1 R eceivin g an d Ins pection of W aste D ru m s

The H-21 facility receives drums of waste produced by the adjacent H-Plant. Drums of

waste are inspected according to the procedures titled "Waste Drum Inspection Process" and

"Dock Area Inspection Process." The received waste is moved into the staging area where

drums are inspected for dents or other damage. Waste drum identification is verified by the

Tamper Indicating Device (TID) number. Drums can be rejected for any reason, such as

bulges, dents, loose bolts, holes, loose packaging, incomplete paperwork, exceeding weight

limit, or liquids in the drum. The H-Plant is notified of the intent to return the rejected

drum, and the material is moved to the reject staging area prior to return.

TRU-Waste drums are examined through RTR by non-destructive testing (NDT) personnel

prior to storage or staging for shipment to verify compliance with drum requirements,

mixture requirements, and that no free liquids are present. The Shipping Operations

Manager is immediately notified if free liquids are suspected to be present. During RTR

examination the drum is mechanically jostled and passed in front of the X-ray tube and

imaging system. RTR acceptance criteria include the following:

Drums require a rigid liner and a minimum of one sealed poly liner inside the

rigid liner. The rigid liner is secured with a retaining clamp and bolt.

No free liquid can be present in the waste.

Metal or glass wastes may contain up to 10% combustibles by volume as

estimated by RTR examination.

All pressurized containers in drums must show clear evidence that container

integrity has been destroyed, removing the potential for residual container

pressurization. Examples include aerosol cans and pressurized-gas bottles.

After RTR inspection the drum is moved back to the staging area. Drums containing free

liquids are placed inside a catch pan for secondary containment should the drum leak or

rupture.

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