Description
The objective of this FIU-SRNL collaborative research effort is to address a high
priority operational and safety requirement highlighted by the Defense Nuclear
Facility Safety Board (DNFSB) and SRS site personnel to support D&D risk
reduction activities for the SRS 235-F PuFF facility. A review of Basis for
Interim Operations (BIOs) across the DOE EM Complex outline contingency
scenarios involving a potential release of residual radioactive contamination
resulting from thermal (fire) and seismic stressors.
Benefits
- Addresses a high priority requirement identified by DNFSB and SRS personnel
- Potential for broader applications to satisfy BIO and safety basis requirements
across the entire DOE EM Complex
- Provides a cost-effective COTS fire retardant platform for immobilization of
radioactive contamination requiring minimal research investment relative to
potential deployment
Accomplishments
Bench-scale testing by FIU and SRNL confirmed the IC technology’s superior fire
retardant qualities, as well as its ability to perform in adverse environmental
conditions. Overall adaptability as an incombustible fixative capable of
enhancing a facility’s posture against certain fire contingencies was proven.
Fire resistant qualities of intumescent coatings (middle) compared to existing
industry fixatives (left and right)
A full-scale cold demo at FIU’s Hot Cell Test Bed facility successfully
demonstrated the coating technology could be applied under real world
operational constraints and conditions.
The evaluation process resulted in the development and promulgation of two
international ASTM standards on fixative technologies, and identified a path
forward to support the potential updating of relevant DOE guidance documents and
handbooks.
FY18 Hot Demo and Way Ahead
- A radiologically hot demonstration is currently being planned for FY18 that will
entail the application of a select IC technology in cells 6/7 in the SRS 235-F
PuFF facility and on other identified contaminated areas elsewhere at SRS.
- In conjunction with this hot demo, the release of plutonium (Pu) material is
also being characterized during thermal stress to quantify potential release
fractions from the coated contaminated substrate, which is directly applicable
to safety basis concerns from the DOE-HDBK-3010.
- This material is currently being considered as an end state solution for
residual Pu hold up to aid in mitigating anticipated residual contamination for
the SRS 235-F hot cell plutonium hold-up remediation project, currently ongoing.