Hanford workers recently used a robotic arm to help remove an old 34-foot pump from a large underground tank, called AP-102, that stores radiological and chemical waste.
Office of Environmental Management
July 9, 2024
minute read time
RICHLAND, Wash. — After practicing in a nonradioactive environment this spring, workers at the Hanford Site recently used a robotic arm to help remove an old 34-foot pump from a large underground tank, called AP-102, that stores radiological and chemical waste. Workers also used a system that encapsulated the pump in a shielding bag as it was removed from the tank, protecting workers from contaminants. U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management contractor Washington River Protection Solutions regularly removes and replaces aging equipment, but the long pump had small spaces that could trap radiological and chemical tank waste, which required the use of the shielding bag. The tank infrastructure is being upgraded to support the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program to immobilize tank waste in glass.
To receive the latest news and updates about the Office of Environmental Management, submit your e-mail address.