Hot cell window replacements completed at Hanford lab

Workers recently completed an 18-month project, replacing 11 hot cell windows at the 222-S Laboratory at the Department of Energy's Hanford Site in Washington state. Hanford contractor Navarro-ATL manages the lab.

At the lab, technicians use the hot cells to remotely handle highly radioactive samples of tank waste while minimizing radiation exposure.

"The 222-S Laboratory is the primary lab analyzing radioactive samples at the Hanford Site," said Delmar Noyes, Hanford's assistant manager for Tank Waste Operations. "These upgrades help keep lab technicians safe as the cleanup mission progresses."

The work: According to the DOE, the replacement work required substantial planning and preparation, including radiation controls and mock-ups.

The solid glass replacement windows weigh between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds each, and lab operations continued while the work was completed.

"Installing the new windows is a significant achievement for Navarro-ATL," said Ray Geimer, Navarro-ATL general manager. "Completing this project improves visibility into the hot cells and sets up the 222-S facility to continue to reliably support the Hanford cleanup mission."

Other tasks: In addition to the window replacement project, renovation work is being done to outdated lab rooms, and aging analytical equipment and hot cell manipulator arms are being replaced.

According to the DOE, these projects position the lab to expand its capacity as operations begin at Hanford's Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. The plant is part of the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program, which will treat radioactive tank waste by immobilizing it in glass for safe disposal.