Experience in using a transportable ion exchange system with resin sluicing capabilities

During the last several years, the cost of processing, transporting and disposing of radioactive wastes has risen rapidly to become a significant portion of the operating budgets of nuclear power stations. Transportable filtration ion exchange systems have helped restrain the cost of waste processing, but these systems have also been subject to increased costs. Recently a transportable system with resin sluicing capabilities has been installed and is operating at Florida Power Corporation's Crystal River Unit number 3 station. The initial data indicate that savings to the station in processing their waste will be considerable. The addition of resin sluicing capability to transportable systems adds a degree of complexity, which had to be considered in the system design and operating procedures, to ensure safety and minimize radiation exposure to operating personnel. As of February 15, 1984, the new system has processed over 400,000 gallons without problem, and operator exposure has been reduced significantly compared to the previous transportable system which used disposable vessels