Methods and devices for radioactive waste solidification
A method for the solidification and packaging of waste is provided. The method includes providing a container and solidification materials, mixing the solidification materials, and inserting the solidification materials into the container at a first site location. The method also includes transporting the container having the solidification materials to a second site location, providing waste materials at the second site location, inserting waste materials into the container at the second location, and mixing the waste materials and the solidification materials in the container at the second site location. The first site location is not located on-site at a nuclear facility, and the second site location is located on-site at a nuclear facility.
1 . A method for the solidification and packaging of waste comprising:
providing a container;
introducing solidification materials into the container at a first site location;
transporting the container having the solidification materials to a second site location;
introducing waste materials into the container at the second site location, wherein introducing waste materials into the container at the second site location comprises introducing the waste materials into an interior of the container at multiple positions; and
mixing the waste materials and the solidification materials in the container at the second site location to yield a grout material,
wherein the first location is not located on-site at a nuclear facility and wherein the second location is located on-site at a nuclear facility,
wherein the step of providing the container comprises providing the container having at least one internal channel configured to distribute the waste materials to the multiple positions within the container.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing the container comprises including an internal mixing impeller in the container and wherein mixing the waste materials and the solidification materials in the container at the second site location is accomplished using the internal mixing impeller.
3 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising allowing the grout material to solidify in the container with the internal mixing impeller in situ.
4 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising:
allowing the grout material to solidify in the container; and
disposing of the container with the grout material therein.
5 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the internal mixing impeller is configured to operate with sufficient torque to mix the solidification materials in the container when no waste materials are present.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein:
the internal mixing impeller comprises a shaft connected to a motor; and
the motor is configured to impart at least approximately 2,000 lb-ft of torque on the shaft.
7 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising steps of:
allowing the grout material to solidify in the container; and
disposing of the container with the internal mixing impeller in situ.
8 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising placing the container inside a transportable modular enclosure.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of inserting the waste materials into the container involves transferring the waste materials from a waste tank at the second site location.