This presentation describes the analyses performed to size the new fans, filtration units and shaft to support work activities and to maintain proper flow alignment in the underground. The status of the capital projects will also be described.
The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) facility, operated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is the only transuranic waste repository in the United States. The facility is designed for the permanent disposal of transuranic radioactive waste generated through nuclear weapons production and research. On February 14th, 2014 a continuous air monitor (CAM) alarmed indicating a radioactive contamination event had occurred in the active emplacement panel underground. The ventilation system automatically switched to a filtration mode where all exhaust air is sent through a bank of filters including High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. The original filtered ventilation system had limited capacity. Interim projects have included adding additional fans and filtration units to the surface and an underground fan to enhance airflow to mining areas. The DOE has decided to maintain the WIPP facility for TRU waste disposal and to this end has authorized several significant capital projects. These projects, which are currently under construction, includes a dust and water extraction system on surface combined with one of the world’s largest HEPA filtration systems. The new Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System (SSCVS) will be capable of filtering up to 255 m3/s (540,000 cfm). The dust extraction system will contain six 47.2 m3/s (100,000 cfm) capable filtration units to remove salt dust and water before the air reaches the HEPA filters. The second project is a new 8.53 m (28 ft) diameter intake shaft 655 (2,150 ft) in depth capable of passing 236 m3/s (500,000 cfm). New surface intake fans are designed for this shaft. An intake shaft at the site is being reconfigured as an exhaust for the new intake fans. Both capital projects are significant with expenditures expected to exceed $400 million.
