Program for the removal of the neutralized Purex high-level waste (HLW) stored at the West Valley site

Progress is being made at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) on the development of a HLW sludge resuspension or mobilization system. The HLW is to be homogenized in-tank and transferred to the Slurry-Fed Ceramic Melter for vitrification. The current approach being taken to remove the sludge phase of the HLW is reflected in the WVDP Scale Model Development Program (SMDP). Sluicing equipment used at other DOE facilities is simulated at a reduced scale, and screened in a One-Sixth Scale Model of the West Valley HLW storage tank. The SMDP, as well as the development of a simulant sludge, and planned tank modification will be discussed