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Savannah River Remediation Melter Performance Tuning Using High-Fidelity Simulators

William BroughtonClaflin UniversityDual Degree in Applied Mathematics & Electrical EngineeringMentors: Stephen Sheibani, Randy Wilkinson, Larry Nutt

February 24, 2012

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Defense Waste Processing Facility

Largest radioactive waste glassification plant in the nation.

Converts liquid nuclear waste stored at Savannah River Site (SRS) into solid glass form for permanent disposal.

Reduces the risk associated with liquid waste at SRS to the human health and environment

Melter 1 poured 1,339 canisters

Melter 2 poured 1,745 canisters

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Scope: Melter Performance Tuning

DWPF Operations: Addition of Argon Bubblers

Molten Glass Agitated with Bubblers

The Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) melter vitrifies waste removed from the waste tanks. Installation of new melter bubblers in DWPF will increaseproduction capability and require corresponding improvements in related DWPFprocesses.

Cutaway Drawing of DWPF Melter with Bubbles Inserted

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Scope: Melter Performance Tuning

As a result of the addition of argon bubblers, the melter now heats up and cools down more quickly than it has in the past. The melter model needs to be adjusted so that it more closely matches the characteristics of the production Melter.

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Method to Solve ScopeDWPF Development System

Using PI data collection, the thermal dynamics of the parameters (II3265, TI3275, TI3275G, TIC3271 and TI3271G) production Melter compared with that of the simulator Melter Model. Areas of Special interest were:- Heat up & Cool down rate - Controller setpoint

response - Current - Power- Temperature - Controller temperature

response

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Intensive studies of the Melter Model were conducted.

Understanding the mathematical modeling and interrelationship of the variables and constants

Interconnect systems in order to improve the correlation of dynamics to that of the production Melter.

Method to Solve Scope

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Impact of Melter Modifications

Lower Glass Lowest Temperature (°C)

Glass Temperature Controller (°C)

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Impact of Melter Modifications

Lower Glass Temperature Select (°C)

Upper Glass Temp Select (°C)

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Future Research

Defense Waste Processing Facility

Canister ofVitrified Waste

Saltstone Disposal Units

Waste TanksSaltstone Production Facility

Interim Salt TreatmentWaste TanksSludge

Salt

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References/Acknowledgements

• Savannah River Remediation

• Manager – Rene Garcia

• Mentors – Stephen Sheibani, Randy Wilkinson, Larry Nutt

• Claflin University School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

• 2012 ERN Conference Staff