PNNL

PNNL was recently recognized as a key contributor to the Hanford Vit Plant project when the Lab received Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security & Environmental Large Business Subcontractor 2016 Supply Chain Recognition Program Award. This annual award honors subcontractors and suppliers for a “Commitment to Excellence and Quality.”

“The support of our subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors is critical to the work we do,” said Barbara Rusinko, president of Bechtel’s government services company, Bechtel National, Inc. (BNI), which is designing and constructing the Vit Plant for the Department of Energy to turn millions of gallons of radioactive waste at Hanford into sturdy glass for safe, long-term storage using a process called vitrification. “These awards recognize the companies that met our high standards for quality and who went above and beyond for mission delivery.”

PNNL has supported BNI on the Vit Plant project since 2001, helping to resolve the technical challenges and safety concerns presented by this complex, first-of-its-kind undertaking, and has lead or participated in research into nearly every area of plant operations.

A Legacy of Support

Among the many challenges the Vit Plant project faces is the waste itself—a complex chemical soup of radioactive liquids and solids that have been stored for decades in aging underground tanks at Hanford. PNNL researchers have worked closely with BNI to understand the chemical makeup of the waste and how it will behave when processed at the Vit Plant—from the time it leaves the tanks to when it’s in its final glass form—helping to ensure the plant will process the waste safely and efficiently. PNNL researchers have had key roles in planning, executing, and reporting on tests using full-size prototypes of plant vessels and simulated wastes to ensure that waste slurries can properly mix with chemical additions and be removed from the vessel as part of the waste pretreatment process.

A key to the successful 16-year collaboration with BNI has been having PNNL staff located at BNI’s offices near the PNNL campus, working side-by-side with their staff, according to Reid Peterson, manager of PNNL’s Vit Plant support program.

The Lab was evaluated on overall performance; the ability to deliver quality services or supplies on time; the ability to work collaboratively to meet milestones; and meeting or exceeding project expectations in aspects of safety, construction performance, technical expertise, and environmental compliance.

The award was accepted by Reid Peterson and Loni Peurrung at Bechtel’s May Supply Chain Recognition Luncheon.