Hanford Waste Treatment Plant - HVAC

VALUE DELIVERED

This first-of-its-kind radiochemical processing plant required the fabrication and installation of nearly 3,800,000 lbs. of ductwork and supports, with a significant portion being safety critical. This HVAC infrastructure would be critical to providing proper airflow and pressures to protect workers and the public when the plant became operational.

Intermech, through its Richland (WA)–based fabrication shop, delivered the necessary combination of nuclear-quality and commercial-grade HVAC infrastructure that will provide proper airflow to ensure worker comfort and safety during operations. In addition, Intermech ensured that the HVAC ductwork was designed to meet comprehensive federal and state emissions system requirements to protect the public and the environment.

DOE awarded Intermech its Voluntary Protection Program’s STAR status for Intermech’s fabrication facility and their work on the waste treatment plant, the highest level of recognition available in the agency’s safety program. Intermech was the first ever lower-tier subcontractor to earn STAR status, which honors cooperative efforts, from DOE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLIENT OBJECTIVES

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) required a waste treatment plant (WTP) in eastern Washington to treat millions of gallons of radioactive and chemical wastes produced during the Cold War nuclear defense activities. This facility would protect the Columbia River and those who live downstream of the Hanford Site.

DOE hired Bechtel National, Inc. to construct the WTP to safely process the waste for long-term storage. Bechtel selected Intermech to perform the fabrication and installation of the main HVAC ductwork systems for the WTP project.

Intermech worked with the WTP’s design and engineering staff on the design and fabrication of the HVAC duct and supports (Intermech performed the detailed design work). After Bechtel’s approval, Intermech fabricated, installed, and performed leak testing of the HVAC ductwork and supports. Intermech also fabricated and installed nuclear-quality and commercial-grade HVAC infrastructure throughout the WTP under NQA-1 standards.

CLIENT BACKGROUND

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) mission is to “ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.” Established in 1977, the DOE has pursued energy development and regulation and currently works to address energy and environmental challenges through science and technology solutions.