Novel waste analysis process approved for Hanford

Known as Stir Bar Sorptive Micro-Extraction—or Twister Stir Bar for short—the process was accredited by the Washington State Department of Ecology. It uses a magnetic stir bar to absorb organic compounds from liquid waste samples, which are then analyzed to determine the chemicals present and the amounts of each.

"This accreditation is a significant advancement for our laboratory," said Solomon Bairai, a Navarro-ATL chemist who was instrumental in applying the technique at the 222-S Lab. "It enables us to analyze complex organic compounds in tank waste with greater precision and efficiency, supporting our continuous improvement and innovation at the lab and across the site."

Other benefits: The process also reduces radiation exposure risks, produces less laboratory waste, and creates cost-saving opportunities. In addition, it helps contractor Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure meet critical performance requirements, according to the DOE.

"Innovative lab methods like this give our teams greater confidence in the data guiding our fieldwork," said Ricky Bang, assistant manager for tank waste operations at the DOE’s Office of Environmental Management Hanford Field Office. "Better analysis leads to better decisions about how we manage and prepare tank waste for safe disposal."

Made by: The process was developed by 222-S Lab contractor Navarro-ATL with support from the DOE’s Savannah River National Laboratory in South Carolina.