A particulate filter developed to survive the tough conditions and stringent demands at the Hanford Site’s Waste Treatment Plant could have applications across the Department of Energy nuclear complex, according to Hanford officials.
The filters were developed after initial testing showed that standard high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters used across the nuclear industry would not be adequate to protect the public and environment during operations of the Hanford facility that will convert radioactive waste into a solid form for disposal. The vitrification plant’s process ventilation system operates at high temperature and humidity, making the previously available filters susceptible to failure.
The new high-efficiency filter is at least five times stronger than a standard HEPA filter and meets or exceeds vit plant standards and codes set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, according to Hanford officials. HEPA filters are critical to the nuclear industry to filter airborne contaminants from ventilation and off-gas systems to meet state and federal requirements.
“These robust HEPA filters have the potential to greatly improve safety across DOE and the nuclear industry,” said Bill Hamel, DOE project director and assistant manager for the vitrification plant.
The Energy Department is considering using the filter at sites that might experience smoke from facility fires, heavy dust, or pressure generated during severe events. The filter will be used first at the vitrification plant’s Low-Activity Waste Facility, which could be operating as soon as 2022, and later at the Pretreatment Facility and High-Level Waste Facility. The plant is not expected to be fully operational until 2036.
The Energy Department and vit plant contractor Bechtel National collaborated with filter manufacturer Porvair to develop the one-of-a-kind filter. The filters are made of fragile fiberglass sheets, resembling paper, which are pleated and installed in a filter pack, similar to a thick furnace filter.
