Large volumes of oils contaminated with radioactive materials are generated in the normal course of operation at large, fixed nuclear facilities, especially nuclear power plants. These contaminated oils (primarily lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, and fuel oil) present a special waste-handling problem and are now usually solidified and disposed of as radioactive waste, which is cumbersome and expensive. The proposed research will address this problem and provide the data and processes to reduce the volume of contaminated waste oil through a rational three-part program: (1) procedures and methods for segregating and classifi7ing waste oils according to source and properties, (2) analytical methods for determining the initial condition of waste oils and the results of any reprocessing or reclamation steps; (3) devices and processes for removing radioactive contamination from oils, making possible their reuse at the facility, release for unrestricted use by nonlicensees, or safe disposal by methods that are simpler and more economical than solidification and burial. The required data will be generated from (1) survey of oil types and quantities disposed at nuclear facilities, (2) measurements of the states and forms of the radioactive contaminants in oils, and (3) testing of selected methods for removing the contaminants. Preliminary designs of systems and procedures for collecting, classifying, processing, and certifying oils for reuse or release for unrestricted use will be produced.AnticipatedResults Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee:This research will result in the development of processes, procedures, and systems that will be employed to reduce the quantity of oils disposed of as radioactive waste at large fixed nuclear facilities by qualifying it for reuse at the generating station or for release for unrestricted use. Application of these processes will ultimately reduce the quantity of radioactive wastes transported for burial and the cost of electricity generation.
