Abstract: A headspace gas sampling and venting method utilizes a vent port and a sampling port which are punched through the lid of a drum containing hazardous materials, such as transuranic waste. In accordance with the system, a punch having a hollow passage therethrough, which passage has a filter element therein is first inserted through the lid using a pneumatic gun. A second punch, similar to the first punch, but having a passage with a septa seal therein is thereafter inserted through the lid with the pneumatic gun. Headspace gas beneath the lid is then sampled with a needle inserted through the septa seal. Both the venting port and sampling port are configured with detachable punch points which pass through the lid and are then released from the venting and sampling ports so as to open ends of the passages therethrough for communication with the headspace.

Abstract: A headspace gas sampling and venting method utilizes a vent port and a sampling port which are punched through the lid of a drum containing hazardous materials, such as transuranic waste. In accordance with the system, a punch having a hollow passage therethrough, which passage has a filter element therein is first inserted through the lid using a pneumatic gun. A second punch, similar to the first punch, but having a passage with a septa seal therein is thereafter inserted through the lid with the pneumatic gun. Headspace gas beneath the lid is then sampled with a needle inserted through the septa seal. Both the venting port and sampling port are configured with detachable punch points which pass through the lid and are then released from the venting and sampling ports so as to open ends of the passages therethrough for communication with the headspace.

Abstract: A headspace gas sampling and venting method utilizes a vent port and a sampling port which are punched through the lid of a drum containing hazardous materials, such as transuranic waste. In accordance with the system, a punch having a hollow passage therethrough, which passage has a filter element therein is first inserted through the lid using a pneumatic gun. A second punch, similar to the first punch, but having a passage with a septa seal therein is thereafter inserted through the lid with the pneumatic gun. Headspace gas beneath the lid is then sampled with a needle inserted through the septa seal. Both the venting port and sampling port are configured with detachable punch points which pass through the lid and are then released from the venting and sampling ports so as to open ends of the passages therethrough for communication with the headspace.

Abstract: A headspace gas sampling and venting method utilizes a vent port and a sampling port which are punched through the lid of a drum containing hazardous materials, such as transuranic waste. In accordance with the system, a punch having a hollow passage therethrough, which passage has a filter element therein is first inserted through the lid using a pneumatic gun. A second punch, similar to the first punch, but having a passage with a septa seal therein is thereafter inserted through the lid with the pneumatic gun. Headspace gas beneath the lid is then sampled with a needle inserted through the septa seal. Both the venting port and sampling port are configured with detachable punch points which pass through the lid and are then released from the venting and sampling ports so as to open ends of the passages therethrough for communication with the headspace.

Abstract: Transuranic waste generated at Department of Energy operations have been packaged to a large extent in unvented fifty-five gallon steel drums and have been stored with the intention of future retrieval. There are safety concerns regarding these drums because of a potential presence of hydrogen and methane generated by radiolysis of hydrogenous wastes and/or of traces of combustible volatile organic compounds contained in original waste materials. Methods and apparatus are provided for penetrating the packed drums and drum liner lids and for sampling and analyzing headspace gases as well as for purging undesirable gas mixtures and installing high efficiency particulate air filter vents. The steps of the method are performed by automated apparatus which is configured to isolate the drums having contents being tested from the surrounding environment and for inserting vents with filters concurrently with performing the tests.

Abstract: Transuranic waste generated at Department of Energy operations have been packaged to a large extent in unvented fifty-five gallon steel drums and have been stored with the intention of future retrieval. There are safety concerns regarding these drums because of a potential presence of hydrogen and methane generated by radiolysis of hydrogenous wastes and/or of traces of combustible volatile organic compounds contained in original waste materials. Methods and apparatus are provided for penetrating the packed drums and drum liner lids and for sampling and analyzing headspace gases as well as for purging undesirable gas mixtures and installing high efficiency particulate air filter vents. The steps of the method are performed by automated apparatus which is configured to isolate the drums having contents being tested from the surrounding environment and for inserting vents with filters concurrently with performing the tests.