T.D. Hylton

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

T.D. Hylton is a recognized expert in nuclear waste remediation and fluidic mixing systems, with a career focused on solving complex challenges in radioactive sludge mobilization and storage tank retrieval. His primary research areas include the development and deployment of pulse jet mixing systems and submerged nozzle technologies for the safe, efficient removal of hazardous waste from horizontal storage tanks. Hylton’s major contributions center on the practical engineering of fluidic systems to mobilize remote-handled transuranic (RH-TRU) sludge and liquid low-level waste (LLLW), particularly at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). His most cited work, "Deployment of a fluidic pulse jet mixing system for horizontal waste storage tanks at Oak Ridge National Laboratory" (1998, 4 citations), details the successful demonstration of a system designed by AEA Technology for retrieving sludge from three 50,000-gallon tanks (W-21, W-22, and W-23). Another key study, "Sludge mobilization with submerged nozzles in horizontal cylindrical tanks" (1995, 3 citations), addresses the neutralization and retrieval of acidic LLLW from the Melton Valley Storage Tanks and evaporator service tanks. Though his citation counts are modest, Hylton’s work is foundational for nuclear waste cleanup operations, providing proven, field-tested solutions that have directly informed tank retrieval strategies at ORNL. His achievements highlight the critical intersection of fluid dynamics, chemical neutralization, and radiological safety in environmental remediation.