EM and its liquid waste contractor at the Savannah River Site used creativity to complete a critical equipment test.
Office of Environmental Management
July 21, 2020
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AIKEN, S.C. – EM and its liquid waste contractor at the Savannah River Site (SRS) used creativity to complete a critical equipment test recently while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines.
The Savannah River Remediation (SRR) tank closure team needed to complete a factory acceptance test for a water addition pump skid being procured to supply water for Tank 27 salt dissolution. The tests, which help identify issues with new equipment and correct them prior to shipment, are a significant step in the procurement process at SRS.
Water additions are necessary for salt dissolution, allowing the salt waste to be transferred from the tank for processing and immobilization. Tank 27 salt dissolution is key to the site’s liquid waste program and will feed multiple salt batches when the Salt Waste Processing Facility comes online.
After bulk salt dissolution is completed, Tank 27 will be available for continued use as a hub or blend tank to support salt waste processing and eventual closure of F Tank Farm.
The tests are typically conducted at the manufacturer’s site prior to delivery and installation at SRS. However, SRR tank closure staff couldn’t travel for the onsite inspection at the manufacturer due to restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead, the team held video calls on their smartphones to conduct a group surveillance of the skid equipment. SRR Project Manager Sam Rollings said the test was completed satisfactorily.
“Thanks to the team’s adaptability and willingness to work together, we were able to complete this critical step in the procurement and keep the delivery on schedule for this important piece of equipment,” Rollings said.