Nuclear Waste Transfer Pump - Design, Analysis, Testing, And Operation

Abstract

There was a time when people worked on radiologically contaminated equipment with a low level of protection, when equipment leakage was considered unavoidable, and when contaminated equipment was disposed of with little environmental regard. Emphasis was placed on production and productivity. Those times are gone! Environmental and personnel safety are of utmost importance. Practices and equipment must be re-evaluated in light of this new value system. This paper documents a synergistic teaming arrangement between user and manufacturer that resulted in a pump addressing this culture change. The pump, developed for high-level nuclear waste, has the following features: • Extended pump life without maintenance • Reduced disposal costs • Improved pump operability • Zero leakage • Flexible transfer capability The advanced design nuclear waste transfer pump manufactured for the Hanford Nuclear Reservation features a variable speed, submerged canned motor pump whose design, development, and operational features are described.