Solidification of oil at the James A. Fitzpatrick nuclear power station

During the operation of nuclear power plants, lubricating oils and greases can become contaminated by various mechanisms. To date, available methods for processing, packaging and disposal of these wastes have been found lacking due to increasing industry waste disposal regulatory constraints. So most utilities store these wastes on site for lack of a technically and economically viable method of disposal. Nuclear Technology Corporation (NUTEK), Amston, CT, has developed a simple, reliable, chemical process using ordinary portland cement to accomplish solidification of these contaminated lubricants. Resultant waste forms were evaluated against stability requirements. Tests were also conducted to ensure compliance with specifications for waste forms and to meet the guidelines on licensing requirements for land disposal of radioactive wastes. In November, 1985, NUTEK's 380A Oil Solidification Process was employed by NUS Process Services Corporation (NUSPSC) at New York Power Authority's James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Station to process 2650 gallons of contaminated oil. The oil was successfully solidified in NUS-107 liners. This paper describes the process and characteristics of the resulting waste form