Independent technical paper. The summary below is provided for reference and search. Full bibliographic details are in the citation at the foot of this page.
01 Overview
This report describes laboratory-scale testing of pretreatment and solidification agents for remediating underground storage tanks with high liquid content, tritium, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. The INEEL V-9 tank — representative of such tanks across the DOE complex — was the object of the tests. The objective was to stabilize sludge, heterogeneous material, and liquids and reduce leaching of metals and organics. AQUASET II-H reduced metals below TCLP levels while solidifying over 40 wt% water; potassium permanganate was the most effective pretreatment, reducing TCE below the 0.5 ppm TCLP limit while reducing the set strength of the AQUASET II-H / Portland mixture by less than 20%.
02 Why this study matters
- In-situ beats pump-and-treat: for tanks whose caked sludge cannot easily be removed, treating in place is far less expensive and much safer in terms of worker exposure.
- Handles the hard stuff: AQUASET II-H stabilized a high-water, briny liquid/sludge containing TCE, PCB (Aroclor-1260) and Sr-90 — the majority of the tank's activity.
- Meets the criteria: final products showed no free liquids, unconfined compressive strength above the NRC 60 psi limit, and leach resistance below TCLP limits.
04 Citation
Shaw, P. (Idaho National Engineering & Environmental Laboratory; Lockheed Martin Idaho Technology Co.). Testing Pretreatment and Solidification Agents for In-Situ Remediation of Mixed Waste in Underground Storage Tanks. Waste Management Symposium 1998.