Liquid Waste Confinement Systems

DOE-HDBK-1132-99

Liquid Waste Confinement Systems . The following provisions are typical for an

RLWF confinement system (see Table I). The actual confinement system

requirements for a specific RLWF should be determined on a case-by-case

basis.

The degree of confinement required in a RLWF is both storage-specific

and process-specific, but in either case should suit the most restrictive

case anticipated.

The primary confinement system consisting of the process equipment

and/or primary storage tanks should operate under process conditions

that prevent or minimize the potential of explosive chemical reactions.

Spills, overflow, or leakage from storage vessels or other primary

confinement structures should be collected and retained within a suitable

secondary confinement structure (e.g., secondary vessel, dike or berm,

elevated threshold within a storage or process building, etc.). The

secondary confinement structure should be able to retain the maximum

radioactive liquid waste inventory that may be released by a spill,

overflow, or leak from the primary confinement structure. For outdoor

applications, the capacity must also include maximum predicted

precipitation. The structure should also be designed to preclude

overtopping due to wave action from the primary vessel failure and, in

outdoor applications, to wind-driven wave action. The capability should

exist to transfer collected liquid from the secondary confinement structure

to a suitable storage location.

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