Showing papers on "Waste disposal published in 1979"

Highly Compacted Sodium Bentonite for Isolating Rock-Deposited Radioactive Waste Products

Abstract: Sodium saturated bentonite clay compacted to a high density is a very efficient isolation for preventing radiotoxic nuclides from deeply buried canisters with radioactive wastes from reaching the biosphere. The main function of the bentonite, which is applied in the form of blocks between the rock and the canisters in large boreholes, is to provide a practically impervious barrier. The bentonite blocks take up water and swell so that they completely fill the space between rock and canisters. The swelling potential, which is permanent, makes the bentonite self-sealing. This means that rock joints, which may be opened, are sealed by extruding bentonite.

Calculation of chemical equilibrium between aqueous solution and minerals: the EQ3/6 software package. [In FORTRAN extended 4. 6 for CDC6600 and 7600]

Abstract: The newly developed EQ/36 software package computes equilibrium models of aqueous geochemical systems. The package contains two principal programs: EQ3 performs distribution-of-species calculations for natural water compositions; EQ6 uses the results of EQ3 to predict the consequences of heating and cooling aqueous solutions and of irreversible reaction in rock--water systems. The programs are valuable for studying such phenomena as the formation of ore bodies, scaling and plugging in geothermal development, and the long-term disposal of nuclear waste. EQ3 and EQ6 are compared with such well-known geochemical codes as SOLMNEQ, WATEQ, REDEQL, MINEQL, and PATHI. The data base allows calculations in the temperature interval 0 to 350{sup 0}C, at either 1 atm-steam saturation pressures or a constant 500 bars. The activity coefficient approximations for aqueous solutes limit modeling to solutions of ionic strength less than about one molal. The mathematical derivations and numerical techniques used in EQ6 are presented in detail. The program uses the Newton--Raphson method to solve the governing equations of chemical equilibrium for a system of specified elemental composition at fixed temperature and pressure. Convergence is aided by optimizing starting estimates and by under-relaxation techniques. The minerals present in the stable phase assemblage are found by several empirical more » methods. Reaction path models may be generated by using this approach in conjunction with finite differences. This method is analogous to applying high-order predictor--corrector methods to integrate a corresponding set of ordinary differential equations, but avoids propagation of error (drift). 8 figures, 9 tables. « less

Eutrophic hadal benthic community in the Puerto Rico Trench

Abstract: The hadal benthos of the Puerto Rico Trench suggests that a eutrophic system is present in two areas where an abundance of plant debris and other organic material are introduced into a suitably oxygenated bottom water mass. This is evidenced by a standing crop of meiofauna, 91 to 97% nematodes and harpacticoid copepods, between 17059 and 17303 individuals/m2, based on two box corer samples taken at 8560 and 8580 m in the BrownsonDeep. Analysis of two otter trawl samples of macrofauna revealed the presence of a wide spectrum of species representing different trophic types. Osmotrophic orga nisms such as actinarian anthozoans and pogonophorans and wood-infesting cocculinid gastropods are common in the eutrophic Gilliss Deep. Deposit feeding animals such as holothurians, isopods, amphipods and cumaceans represent the dominant trophic type, at 7600 m in the Gilliss Deep and 8800 m in the BrownsonDeep. The use of the Puerto Rico Trench as a site for waste disposal is questioned on the basis of the eutrophic character and the relatively unpredictable tectonic nature of the trench.

Algal single cell protein from wastewater treatment and renovation process

Abstract: A Source of high-quality protein for animal feed, based upon algae recovered in the process of upgrading waste oxidation pond effluents and promising to be particularly economical, is being developed at the Technion. Unlike other types of single cell protein(SCP), the algal protein does not have to return the full production cost but only that of concentration and final processing. The balance is shared by the value of waste disposal and the reclaimed water. Whereas such systems as activated sludge require considerable mechanical energy to supply the oxygen needed for aerobically degrading organics in wastewater, oxidation ponds utilize solar energy for that purpose. The sludge obtained when their effluents are clarified consists largely of algae, bacteria, fungi, and zooplankton in relative proportions varying with operating conditions, and contains 40–60%(dry basis) high-quality protein. The high rate oxidation pond (a particularly intensive type of pond) produces on the average 34 g/m27sol;day solids, or over 100 tons/ha (hectare) annually. Two clarification routes have been found promising: centrifugation and alum flocculation followed by frothflotation. The latter route is less expensive in terms of both fixed and operating cost, and gives clarified effluent of higher quality, which can be seasonally stored with minimal eutrophication because the aluminum removes most of the phosphate from the effluent. A good product has been obtained by drum-drying the concentrate, and preliminary feeding tests have indicated that it can replace at least 1/4 of the soymeal in broiler rations and 2/3 of the fishmeal in carp feed. No ill effect of the aluminum in the product recovered by alum flocculation has been found so far a process for removing and recycling the aluminum has been developed nonetheless, in case ill effects do show up in further tests. The combined value of the benefits derived from a system centered around the high-rate oxidation pond with clarification by flocculation–flotation, in terms of waste treatment by alternative means, potable water saved, and soymeal replaced, significantly exceeds estimated cost.

Geothermal alteration of clay minerals and shales: diagenesis

Abstract: The objective of this report is to perform a critical review of the data on the mineral and chemical alterations that occur during diagenesis and low-grade metamorphism of shale and other clay-rich rocks - conditions similar to those expected from emplacement of heat-producing radioactive waste in a geologic repository. The conclusions drawn in this document are that the following type of alterations could occur: smectite alteration, ion mobilization, illitic shales, kaolinite reactions, chlorite reactions, organic reactions, paleotemperatures, low temperature shales, high temperature shales, and phase equilibrium changes.

Vacuum-flush toilet arrangement for aircraft

Abstract: A non-circulating vacuum operated waste disposal system for aircraft having a toilet bowl connected to a vacuum waste holding tank by a drain connected to said bowl and to the vacuum waste holding tank. There is a flush valve in the drain having a flexible valve element movable between open and closed positions for opening or closing the drain. There is a control pressure chamber adjacent to the flexible valve element with the valve element exposed directly to the pressure or vacuum which may be within said control chamber. The valve element is held in open or closed position with respect to the drain depending upon whether there is a pressure or a vacuum in the pressure chamber. There is a connection from the pressure chamber to the cabin of the aircraft and also to the drain on the vacuum side of the flush valve. A solenoid valve is provided in the connection which is manually operable to connect cabin pressure or the vacuum in the drain to said control pressure chamber.

Effect of rapid precipitation of dissolved Mn in river water on estuarine Mn distributions

Abstract: ALTHOUGH the general characteristics of estuarine chemical behaviour can be deduced from distributional data1, there is an urgent need for greater understanding of the mechanisms and kinetics of the processes involved to assist the development of precise geochemical cycling models and to allow accurate predictions of the consequences of waste disposal into estuaries and inland waters. Manganese is of particular importance in this respect because, as well as exhibiting pronounced reactivity within estuaries2–4, the highly absorptive properties of particulate and colloidal manganese oxide phases may contribute significantly to the estuarine behaviour of many other trace metals5. We show here how measurements of the effects of suspended particles and salinity on the rate of precipitation of dissolved manganese can lead to an explanation of the temporal and geographical variability in the distribution of dissolved manganese in an estuarine system.

Pollutant movement to shallow ground water tables from anaerobic swine waste lagoons

Abstract: The effect of three anaerobic swine waste lagoons of ground water quality was investigaed in the Atlantic Coastal Plain region. The lagoons studied were located on high-water-table soils with different textures. Ground water was sampled from wells, with unperforated casings, located at depths to 6 m and distances to 30 m from the lagoons. These samples were taken monthly from September 1974 through January 1975, and bimonthly thereafter through November 1975. Ground water also was sampled in November 1975 from shallow wells with perforated casings located at distances to 36.6 m from two of the three lagoons. Constituents determined to investigate ground water contamination were density of fecal coliforms and concentrations of Cl, Cu, Mn, NH/sub 4/-N, NO/sub 3/-N, PO/sub 4/-P, and Zn. Chloride, NH/sub 4/-N, and NO/sub 3/-N concentrations in ground water samples indicated that seepage entered ground water from each of the three lagoons. Rupute of lagoon seals leading to seepage was attributed to drying of exposed subsoil or embankment soil during recession of lagoon liquid levels and to gas release from miarobial activity in soil beneath the seal. Overall, a low level of ground water contamination occurred around a lagoon that was in operation for over 8more » years in Myatt very fine sandy loam with a clay subsoil, and a lagoon that was in operation 1 mo prior to this investigation in Dragston fine sandy loam with a sandy clay loam subsoil. Ground water contamination in excess of recommended drinking water standards for Cl and NO/sub 3/-N occurred around the third lagoon.« less

Effects of temperature, temperature gradients, stress, and irradiation on migration of brine inclusions in a salt repository

Abstract: Available experimental and theoretical information on brine migration in bedded salt are reviewed and analyzed. The effects of temperature, thermal gradients, stress, irradiation, and pressure in a salt repository are among the factors considered. The theoretical and experimental (with KCl) results of Anthony and Cline were used to correlate and explain the available data for rates of brine migration at temperatures up to 250/sup 0/C in naturally occurring crystals of bedded salt from Lyons and Hutchinson, Kansas. Considerations of the effects of stressing crystals of bedded salt on the migratin properties of brine inclusions within the crystals led to the conclusion that the most probable effects are a small fractional increase in the solubility of the salt within the liquid and a concomitant and equal fractional increase in the rate of the thermal gradient-induced migration of the brine. The greatest uncertainty relative to the prediction of rates of migration of brine into a waste emplacement cavity in bedded salt is associated with questions concerning the effects of the grain boundaries (within the aggregates of single crystals which comprise a bedded salt deposit) on brine migration through the deposit. The results of some of the estimates of rates and total amountsmore » of brine inflow to HLW and SURF waste packages emplaced in bedded salt were included to illustrate the inflow volumes which might occur in a repository. The results of the brine inflow estimates for 10-year-old HLW emplaced at 150 kW/acre indicated inflow rates starting at 0.7 liter/year and totaling 12 liters at 30 years after emplacement. The results of the estimates for 10-year-old PWR SURF emplaced at 60 kW/acre indicated a constant inflow of 0.035 liter/year for the first 35 years after emplacement.« less

Hydrologic studies within the Columbia Plateau, Washington: an integration of current knowledge

Abstract: Hydrologic studies are one of the principal research activities within the Basalt Waste Isolation Project. The objective of these studies is to provide a clear evaluation of the hydrologic systems present within the Columbia River basalt significant to the possible siting of a waste repository. This is accomplished through an intense data gathering program in addition to conducting groundwater flow and solute transport modeling under both anticipated and credible hypothetical hydrologic scenarios. The hydrology effort is centered within the Pasco Basin located in south-central Washington State, particularly that portion of the basin within the Hanford Site. Regional hydrology studies for other portions of the Columbia Plateau are being carried out to assist in understanding the surface-water and groundwater flow systems existing within the Pasco Basin. The major questions being addressed in all of the above studies focus upon important repository considerations related to groundwater flow paths, groundwater velocities, and solute concentrations and travel times. This report summarizes the data obtained and interpretations made to date regarding the hydrology of the Pasco Basin. The text of this report is divided into four chapters. Chapter I describes the purpose and scope of the hydrology program. Chapter II discusses the regional studies. Chaptermore » III discusses the Pasco Basin hydrology, and Chapter IV gives a status report of the numerical modeling activities.« less

Process and apparatus for dehydrating waste solids concentrates

Abstract: An apparatus and process for dehydrating waste solids concentrates including secondary and digested sewage sludges and those concentrates prone to form emulsions upon the addition of oil are obtained and accomplished by mixing the sludge or other concentrate with fluidizing oil prior to dehydration by heat evaporation to maintain pumpability; recycling a portion of the substantially anhydrous waste solids and oil evaporator output slurry, and admixing it with the fluidizing oil and input sludge or concentrate to regulate the solids content and viscosity of the steady state feed mixture and thereby prevent fouling of the evaporator heat transfer surfaces and convert emulsions to suspensions.

Process for reducing possibility of leaching of heavy metals from used petroleum cracking catalyst in land fills

Abstract: A used petroleum or hydrocarbon conversion or cracking catalyst having metal contaminants thereon which are leachable by water therefrom is treated with tin and/or indium and/or a compound of tin and/or a compound of indium to reduce leachability of said metal therefrom rendering the thus treated contact mass or catalyst more safe to be disposed of at a landfill.

Process and apparatus for packaging

Abstract: A process and apparatus for packaging products such as dusty powders are provided. The apparatus is an enclosed housing (e.g., a glove box) with an open lower end and having two glove openings with gloves attached, an opening for attaching a waste disposal bag thereto, and an optional opening for attaching a bag for product samples. The glove box has means for securing a bag in a filling position around the lower end and has the discharge end of a product fill pipe extending into the open lower end. There are vacuum means for applying a vacuum to the inside of the glove box and for applying a vacuum from the inside through apertures circumferentially arranged around the lower edge of the glove box. The described process involves attaching a bag, e.g., polyethylene bag, around the open lower end of an enclosed filling chamber (e.g., a glove box), filling the bag with product from inside the glove box, sealing the filled bag at a point between the product in the bag and the lower end of the glove box, cutting the seal to create a bag segment attached to the lower end of the glove box, removing the sealed filled bag, placing a second bag over the bag segment and attaching it to the glove box above where the bag segment is attached and removing the bag segment from inside the glove box, i.e., by using the gloves attached to the glove openings to reach inside the glove box and pull the bag segment off of the lower end.

Hydrogen isotope separation

Abstract: A system of four cryogenic fractional distillation columns interlinked with two equilibrators for separating a DT and hydrogen feed stream into four product streams, consisting of a stream of high purity D2, DT, T2, and a tritium-free stream of HD for waste disposal.

Preliminary design and neutronic analysis of a laser fusion driven actinide waste burning hybrid reactor

Abstract: The laser fusion driven actinide waste burner (LDAB) system investigated uses partitioned fission power reactor generated actinide wastes dissolved in a molten tin alloy as feed material (or fuel). A novel fuel processing concept based on the high-temperature precipitation of ''actinide--nitrides'' from a liquid tin solution is proposed. This concept will allow for fission product removal to be performed entirely within the device at high burnup. No attempt has been made to optimize this system, but potential performance is impressive. The equilibrium LDAB design consumes 7.6 MT/y of actinide waste. This corresponds to the waste output from 136 light water reactors (1000 MW (electric)). The mean life of an actinide atom in the LDAB is only 4.5 y; and actinides, once charged to the LDAB, might be reprocessed fewer times during irradiation than in previously proposed systems.

Geohydrology and ground-water quality beneath the 300 Area, Hanford Site, Washington

Abstract: Ground water enters the 300 Area from the northwest, west, and southwest. However, throughout most of the 300 Area, the flow is to the east and southeast. Ground water flows to the northeast only in the southern portion of the 300 Area. Variations in level of the Columbia River affected the ground-water system by altering the level and shape of the 300 Area watertable. Large quantities of process waste water, when warmed during summer months by solar radiation or cooled during winter months by ambient air temperature, influenced the temperature of the ground water. Leaking pipes and the intentional discharge of waste water (or withdrawal of ground water) affected the ground-water system in the 300 Area. Water quality tests of Hanford ground water in and adjacent to the 300 Area showed that in the area of the Process Water Trenches and Sanitary Leaching Trenches, calcium, magnesium, sodium, bicarbonate, and sulfate ions are more dilute, and nitrate and chloride ions are more concentrated than in surrounding areas. Fluoride, uranium, and beta emitters are more concentrated in ground water along the bank of the Columbia River in the central and southern portions of the 300 Area and near the 340 Building. Testmore » wells and routine ground-water sampling are adequate to point out contamination. The variable Thickness Transient (VTT) Model of ground-water flow in the unconfined aquifer underlying the 300 Area has been set up, calibrated, and verified. The Multicomponent Mass Transfer (MMT) Model of distribution of contaminants in the saturated regime under the 300 Area has been set up, calibrated, and tested.« less

Application of Studies of Fluid Inclusions in Permian Salado Salt, New Mexico, to Problems of Siting the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

Abstract: This paper presents a summary of the data obtained when inclusions in cores from the proposed WIPP site were examined pettrographically, and with microscope freezing, heating, and crushing stages. Fluid now present in the samples studied ranges widely from <0.1 to 1.7 wt.%; the total in situ fluid content of the rock is certainly greater. The inclusion fluid is not just saturated NaCl solution but a variable and extremely saline bittern containing some noncondensable gases under pressure. The inclusions move in thermal gradients and react quickly to uniaxial stress, but decrepitation is estimated to be a more important mechanism of fluid release under thermal loading. Subsequent movement of the released fluids is not considered.

The Very Deep Hole Concept: Evaluation of an Alternative for Nuclear Waste Disposal

Abstract: LBL-7089 THE VERY DEEP HOLE CONCEPT: EVALUATION OF AN ALTERNATIVE FOR NUCLEAR WASTE DISPOSAL M.T. O'Brien, L.H. Cohen, T.N. Narasimhan, T.L. Simkin, H.A. Wollenberg, W.F. Brace, S. Green, and H.P. Pratt July 1979 Earth Sciences Division Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory University of California Berkeley, CA 94720 Prepared for the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission under Contract W-7405-ENG-48

Compositions and processes for coating aluminium

Abstract: The corrosion resistance and paint adhesion of aluminium and its alloys is improved by contacting the aluminium (or aluminium alloy) surface with an aqueous acid solution containing polyacrylic acid or an ester thereof and at least one of H 2 ZrF 6 , H 2 TiF 6 and H 2 SiF 6 , the pH of the solution being less than 3.5. The waste disposal problems associated with conventional chromate phosphate coating processes are avoided. The coating solution may be replenished with a concentrate containing polyacrylic acid or an ester thereof, at least one of H 2 ZrF 6 , H 2 TiF 6 and H 2 SiF 6 , and a source of free fluoride, preferably hydrofluoric acid, to complex dissolved aluminium.

Fundamentals of Food Canning Technology

Abstract: Canned foods constitute a sizable portion of the American diet. They are stable, do not require refrigeration, and are easily transported. Canning allows the consuming public to have a varied, nutritious diet during all seasons and in all geographical locations. The main factors in canned food preparation are heat sterilization and hermetic protective packaging. Rigid metal and glass containers are used for canned products. Flexible packaging is a new innovation. Canning procedures for fruits, vegetables, specialty products, meats and poultry, marine and dairy products are discussed. General coding, labeling, storage and distribution procedures are included. Safety and quality regulations and consumer demands are covered in discussions of hazard analysis, quality assurance and waste disposal. Includes discussion of academic and industrial studies of nutrient content and nutrient retention

ZSM-5 Zeolite catalyzes dialkyl disulfide conversion to hydrogen sulfide

Abstract: Dialkyl disulfide waste, such as that formed in a caustic wash process for removing mercaptans from a hydrocarbon stream, is converted to hydrogen sulfide and valuable hydrocarbons by catalytic contact with a highly siliceous zeolite catalyst exemplified by ZSM-5. The hydrogen sulfide in turn is readily converted to marketable sulfur, thus alleviating the waste disposal problem.

Slit application of fertilizer tablets and sewage sludge improve initial growth of loblolly pine seedlings in the Tennessee copper basin

Abstract: The effect of slit application of fertilizer tablets and sewage sludge on the growth of loblolly pine seedlings in copper mine spoils was explored. While application of fertilizer and sludge had no effect on the rate of seedling survival, seedling growth was increased by nine to 20 times after fertilizer application and three to eight times after sludge treatment, compared with untreated seedlings. Results indicate that slow-release fertilizer stimulates seedling growth on copper spoils. (1 graph, 3 photos, 14 references, 4 tables)

Pyrolysis process for scrap tires

Abstract: A process for disposal of scrap tires was developed in which the shredded tires are pyrolyzed in an indirectly heated rotary kiln at 600/sup 0/C to produce mainly fuel oil and char. The operating temperature was determined as the temperature which produces the char that gives carbon black with optimum properties as reinforcing filler for rubber. The oil is condensed in two stages. The gas is used with light oil to heat the kilns. Cost estimates for 4000-14,000 ton/yr plants, balanced against credit for recovered materials and the cost of collecting and transporting scrap tires show an optimum plant size of 7000 tons/yr. A demonstration plant of that size is under construction.

Migratory Properties of Some Nuclear Waste Elements in Geologic Media

Abstract: To aid in assessing the suitability of geologic disposal, the authors have examined the interactions of trace quantities of cesium, plutonium,, neptunium, and americium in aqueous solutions with rocks from formations that may be suitable for waste repositories Results indicate that many geologic formations are barriers to the movement of these elements in flowing water However, reactions that retard element migration are varied and do not lend themselves to simplified descriptions In experiments with plutonium and americium, kinetics of reactions were seen to differ for each trace element and rock studied In rock infiltration experiments with radioactive cesium, plutonium, neptunium, and americium, often most of the activity moved slowly compared to the water stream, but small quantities of the trace elements moved downstream from the main peaks of activity because of the slow reaction rates seen in static experiments, or possibly because of multiple speciation, colloid formation, movement of particles with adsorbed nuclides, or other causes 2 figures, 7 tables

A Review of the Environmental Impact of Ground Disposal of Oil Shale Wastes

Abstract: Waste disposal methods for the major types of extraction processes, the potential environmental impacts of waste disposal to the ground, mitigation of environmental effects, and further research needs of the oil shale industry are considered. Principal waste products of oil shale extraction constitute up to 125% of the original volume, and disposal may, therefore, affect vast land areas. Principal wastes scheduled for ground disposal include the waters produced during retorting and subsequently separated from the shale oil and the spent shales remaining after extraction. Retort waters contain relatively high concentrations of complex, soluble organic components and the spent shales contain potentially leachable salts and organic pyrolytic products. In addition, spent shales have erosion potential when disposed on the surface and considerable effort is being directed to shale management, emphasizing erosion control and shale as a growth medium, and revegetation methods for establishing salt- and drought-tolerant plant species.