Resin volume reduction by high force compaction

The packaging, transportation, and disposal of contaminated spent ion exchange resin constitutes one of the most expensive items on the utility radwaste manager's budget. The waste volume limits and surcharges imposed by the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act Amendments of 1985 have created strong incentives for the application of high force compaction to reduce the volume of ion exchange resin shipped for disposal. Lab and full-scale test results demonstrated that the volume reduction achieved by compaction is a function of compressive force, resin type, moisture and crud content, and the container/packaging method. Simulated waste resin and actual plant-generated resin was tested using compressive forces between 600 and 6680 psi. Volume reduction factors, as compared to conventional dewatering, of 2:1 to 6:1 were measured using high force compaction. The relative simplicity of compaction technology as compared to other resin volume reduction technologies, and the availability of high force compaction equipment set the stage for a very cost effective and easily implemented volume reduction system