1.1 Intent:

1.1.1 The 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.

1.2 This 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.

1.3 Applicability:

1.3.1 This 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.

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

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

1.4 User Caveats:

1.4.1 This 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.

1.4.2 This 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

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