THE REPLACEMENT TRITIUM FACILITY

Tritium processing operations have been performed at the Savannah River Site (SRS) since 1955. During this time, tritium handling and processing operations have been continually improving. In 1987 construction began on a new tritium handling facility, the Replacement Tritium Facility. This new facility, which is scheduled for startup in 1992, makes use of the latest technology to enhance operational safety, ensure material safeguards and security, and avoid tritium losses to the environment. One of the new technologies incorporated into the Replacement Tritium Facility is the application of metal hydrides to store, separate, purify, pump, and compress hydrogen isotopes. This paper will provide an overview of the new Replacement Tritium Facility, and in addition will review the role and impact of metal hydride technology in present and future tritium processing operations at SRS.