DOE 2000. - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - U.S. Department of Energy

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 4
Eleven signals, two analog and nine contact, are used during Waste Hoist operations and are transmitted
to the CMR for remote monitoring. The analog signals are the hoist motor voltage and amperes. The
contact signals are "Hoist Operation, Manual", "Hoist Operation, Semi-Auto", "Hoist, Abnormal
Condition", "Emergency Stop", "Men Working in Shaft", "Waste on Hoist", "Personnel on Hoist",
"Hoist, Up", and "Hoist, Down".
The waste hoist Signaling System consists of bells and lights activated by the operators at the MCS and
the operating stations.
The SH shaft is used to transport mined salt to the surface and to provide personnel transportation
between the surface and the underground horizon. It also acts as a duct for supplying air to the
underground mining and disposal areas, and is one route for the power, control, and communications
cables. The hoist’s maximum rope speed is approximately 1,800 ft (548.6 m) per minute. The shaft
inside diameter is 10 ft (3.05 m) for the steel lined portion, and 11 ft 10 in (3.6 m) for the unlined
portion.
The exhaust shaft is used as the opening to exhaust air from the underground disposal areas to the
surface. The inside diameter of the lined portion of this shaft is 14 ft (4.3 m). The shaft lining is
unreinforced concrete. The shaft key incorporates polymeric chemical water seal rings. The exhaust
shaft collar does not utilize a building or head-frame, and is sealed at the top by a 14 ft (4.3 m) diameter
elbow that diverts exhaust air into the exhaust ventilation system.
The AIS is used primarily to supply the fresh air to the underground areas, and is also used for backup
egress of personnel between the surface and the underground horizon. The hoist’s maximum rope speed
is approximately 830 ft (253 m) per minute. The inside diameter of the unreinforced concrete lined upper
portion of this shaft is 16 ft (4.9 m).
4.2.3 Subsurface Facilities
4.2.3.1 General Design
The subsurface facilities are located 2,150 ft (655 m) below the surface and include the waste disposal,
north, and support areas. The underground support areas contain the facilities to service and maintain all
underground equipment for mining and waste disposal operations, monitor for radioactive contamination,
and allow limited decontamination of personnel and equipment. The mining, north, and waste disposal
areas are isolated from each other by air locks and bulkheads. Some mining construction activities may
be required within an active disposal panel, however, these activities can be separated from the disposal
processes and areas by schedule (time), ventilation controls, and temporary bulkheads.
The underground support facilities and their ventilation flows in the shaft pillar area are shown on Figure
4.2-32.
The support facilities on the disposal side provide a maintenance area, a vehicle parking area with
plug-in battery charging, and a waste transfer station.
The support facilities on the mining side consist of a vehicle parking area, electrical substation, welding
shop, a warehouse, offices, materials storage area, emergency vehicle parking alcoves, a diesel equipment
fueling station, and a mechanical shop.
4.2-24 January 28, 2003