Enhancing Waste Detection: Advanced Pulse Echo Sensors at Hanford Tank Farms
Industry: This paper pertains to the nuclear waste management industry, particularly
focusing on the Hanford Site, where safe and efficient transfer and treatment of radioactive
waste are critical.
Challenge: The main challenge addressed is the detection of settled particle beds during the
transfer of slurry in the waste certification test loop. Phase III testing indicated the potential of
the PulseEcho system for this task but identified specific areas needing improvement, such as
measurement repeatability and detection of small, high-density particles.
Extraordinary Aspects of the Paper: High Sensitivity: The 10-MHz transducer showed exceptional sensitivity, detecting
particles as small as 15-30 µm, which was not possible with the 5-MHz transducer.
Improved Detection: The 10-MHz transducer could detect small settled beds even in
highly attenuated conditions, indicating its suitability for a broader range of waste
conditions.
Recommendations: Future use of both 5-MHz and 10-MHz transducers is
recommended for a more robust system, and additional testing is suggested to further
validate the sensor performance.
Practical Application: The successful implementation of these findings can significantly
enhance the reliability and safety of waste transfer operations at the Hanford site.
Note: The quick summaries in this section focus on how GaGe Digitizer products have helped solve advanced problems. Paraphrased using simplified terminology, the summaries are intended to make the achievements understandable to people from a variety of backgrounds. Please use the provided link to source the original paper for technical clarity.