A Study into the Benefits of Using Discrete Event Simulation in TRU and Mixed Low-Level Waste (MLLW) Disposal at Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Plant (AMWTP) - 19536

As part of the 1995 Settlement agreement reached between the Idaho State Government and the Idaho National laboratory, it was agreed that the approximately 65,000 cubic metres of waste stored at the AMWTP site was to be shipped out of the state to the waste isolation pilot plant (WIPP) in New Mexico or a similar disposal facility by the end of December 2018. In June 2016, the operation of AMWTP was taken over by Fluor Idaho, a subsidiary of Fluor Inc. To improve their capability of processing all of the varied waste contained on the extensive site, Fluor Idaho requested the assistance of DBD Ltd. We were tasked with producing an all-encompassing operational research (OR) model/discrete event simulation (DES) model of the site, which is able to produce live end-date predictions based on current inventory and waste tracking against milestones. The DES model, is capable of predicting years worth of plant operation in a matter of minutes including the variation caused by such complexities as resource/staff availability, equipment breakdown and maintenance, prioritisation of different waste types, and varying shift patterns of both staff and facilities. The DES model can be run from its own bespoke dashboard, that can be customised to suit the audience it is being used to inform, producing clear key performance indicator (KPI) graphics and high-level overviews for senior management, down to drum by drum breakdowns of the predicted feed plans for each individual facility on the AMWTP site for a work planner to analyse and compare to the current operations. Simulation can produce these types of outputs for very low cost and low risk, as it avoids experimentation to find potential alternatives to the status-quo that could result in loss of production or time. These methods can also be used to produce cost benefit analyses for suggested processing options feeding into optioneering studies and cost reduction strategies. As a tool for plant optimisation and tracking, discrete event simulation can provide detailed results quickly and reliably. (authors)