Down-blend and Disposition Remote Handled U-233 Material at the WIPP Facility

Isotek was awarded the DOE contract for the down-blending and disposition for U-233 material contaminated with TRU isotopes in 2006. The Isotek work scope is the design and construction of a processing facility to dissolve the U-233 material, perform down-blending with depleted uranium, concentrate and dry the resulting solution then ship the depleted U-233 waste to WIPP. Upon completion of the processing phase, Isotek will deactivate the facility in preparation for decontamination and decommissioning (D and D). There are several challenges that will need to be resolved prior to bringing this process operational and ensuring the final result is WIPP compliant. - The plutonium oxide may not dissolve in nitric acid which may reduce the TRU isotope concentration. - High radiation levels will require shielded operations and remote handling. - Radon gas generation can cause facility and equipment contamination issues. If any of these issues are not adequately resolved prior to startup, the project could have to make costly modifications to the facility and/or the process. Isotek is determined to find a successful method to resolve these challenges and to do so in a way that is safe, compliant, cost effective, and does not compromise the existing processing and disposition schedule. (authors)