Estimation of dry solids in radwaste slurries and solutions

Disposal of low level radioactive waste requires a knowledge of the dry solids content of the slurry of solution being processed. The classical methods for solids determination involve weighing, drying and weighing again. Solid radwaste materials consisting of ion exchange resins and regenerants are hygroscopic, and therefore, require extended drying periods. The methods set forth in this paper contribute the convenience of short analysis time as well as reduced contamination hazard. One method developed here for slurries of ion exchange resin, both powder and bead form, as well as for solutions of inorganic salts, features the use of closed containers. By determining the specific gravity of the solution or slurry and through a knowledge of the settled volume percent vs. the dry weight percent, the required information can be obtained. In the other method, a knowledge of the moisture holding characteristics of various resin mixtures permits the use of moist resin percent of a slurry to calculate the dry resin percent. Both methods give verifiable results for individual wastes