Mobile Waste Processing System for Underground Storage Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage of nuclear and chemical waste in underground storage tanks poses risks due to leakage and handling challenges, requiring a safe and reliable method to reduce waste volume and minimize exposure to hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A remote-operated mobile processing system that connects to the tank via a flexible, articulated conduit, utilizing a separator and heat energy module to extract and process waste, reducing liquid content and volume while maintaining containment and minimizing worker exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If personnel manually operate processing equipment inside or near the UST, then processing can be performed, but safety and exposure to hazardous materials increase
Solution Approach 1:
A remote control module serves as an intermediary between the operator and the processing equipment. The operator interfaces with the system through this remote module, which transmits control signals to the processing equipment located near or inside the UST. This mediator allows the operator to remain at a safe distance while still controlling the processing operations, thereby reducing exposure to hazardous materials without compromising productivity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid, fixed connection system is used between the processing module and UST, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different tank configurations and locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system between the processing module and the UST employs flexible conduits and articulated joints rather than rigid fixed connections. This flexible connection system can accommodate various tank configurations, locations, and movements while maintaining sealed integrity. The flexibility allows the system to adapt to different positioning requirements and environmental conditions without compromising connection stability or sealed containment.
3Productivity
If the processing module is positioned close to or over the UST for efficient processing, then processing efficiency is improved, but the complexity of providing remote control and safety monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a processing module positioned near or over the UST for efficient processing, a remote control module for operator input, and communication/control links between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the processing module for efficiency and the control module for operator safety and ease of operation - while reducing overall system complexity through modular design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces waste volume, enhances safety by minimizing worker exposure, and maintains containment, allowing for efficient processing and potential return of processed waste to the tank, thus addressing leakage risks and storage capacity needs.
Implementation Method 1
The processing module contains a separator, such as an evaporator, dryer, reverse osmosis separator or the like
Implementation Method 2
The processing module contains a separator, such as an evaporator, dryer, reverse osmosis separator or the like
Implementation Method 3
a heat energy module that is connected to provide a heated fluid to the processing module
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile waste processing system and method is disclosed for processing materials in a tank, typically an underground storage tank. A mobile fluid processing module is disposed adjacent to or over the tank, and sealingly connected to the tank through a tank riser. Support equipment, which may include an electric power module, a chiller module, a heating module, and a control and monitor module, are disposed a distance from the processing module, and connected thereto. A pump and optionally a dispersal nozzle are deployed from the processing module into the tank, and effluent is extracted for processing. The processing trailer includes effluent processing equipment such as an evaporator and demister, condenser, vacuum pump, and interim storage tank. The effluent is processed, and at least a portion is removed. Some of the processed effluent may be returned to the tank.