Full Description

1.1Intent:

1.1.1The intent of this guideline is to provide general considerations for the development, verification, validation, and documentation of high-level waste (HLW) tank simulants. Due to the expense and hazards associated with obtaining and working with actual wastes, especially radioactive wastes, simulants are used in a wide variety of applications including process and equipment development and testing, equipment acceptance testing, and plant commissioning. This standard guide facilitates a consistent methodology for development, preparation, verification, validation, and documentation of waste simulants.

1.2This guideline provides direction on (1) defining simulant use, (2) defining simulant-design requirements, (3) developing a simulant preparation procedure, (4) verifying and validating that the simulant meets design requirements, and (5) documenting simulant-development activities and simulant preparation procedures.

1.3Applicability:

1.3.1This guide is intended for persons and organizations tasked with developing HLW simulants to mimic certain characteristics and properties of actual wastes. The process for simulant development, verification, validation, and documentation is shown schematically in Fig. 1. Specific approval requirements for the simulants developed under this guideline are not provided. This topic is left to the performing organization.

FIG. 1Simulant Development, Verification, Validation, and Documentation Flowsheet

1.3.2While this guide is directed at HLW simulants, much of the guidance may also be applicable to other aqueous based solutions and slurries.

1.3.3The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4User Caveats:

1.4.1This guideline is not a substitute for sound chemistry and chemical engineering skills, proven practices and experience. It is not intended to be prescriptive but rather to provide considerations for the development and use of waste simulants.

1.4.2This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.