Honeywell International, Inc.
Metropolis, Illinois
Intern: Bradley Taylor
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
The Honeywell Metropolis Works Plant (MTW) is a uranium conversion facility
that chemically converts natural uranium ore concentrates into uranium hexafluoride
(UF6). The finished UF6 is shipped to a gaseous diffusion
plant to enrich the uranium concentration and enable the material to be used
for nuclear fuel.
The intern was tasked to evaluate opportunities to minimize the generation
of low level radioactive waste and increase uranium recovery.
Results:
The intern:
- Recommended the installation of a drum washing system to reduce the amount
of low level radioactive waste generated at the facility. The
system would reduce waste management costs and recover an average of 1 ounce
of uranium for each drum washed. The intern determined that the drum
washing operation could save approximately $1.25 million a year.
- Implemented a statistical analysis on ore concentrates to identify contaminate
levels for regulated air pollutants and help control the elements of interest
in the ore received by Honeywell MTW.
- Conducted an analysis of the calcium fluoride ponds and determined that
extraction of uranium from the ponds may allow the calcium fluoride to be
re-utilized in steel-making facilities. Further testing of the uranium
extraction process was recommended.
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