Patent · US Active

Method for decontaminating metal surfaces of a nuclear facility

US11443863B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by

2References

21Claims

0Family size

Assignee

FRAMATOME · FR

Inventors

Luis Sempere Belda · Erlangen, DE
Jose Pedro Moreira Do Amaral · Ergolding, DE
Christian Topf · Forchheim, DE

Key dates

Filing date	Jan 8, 2018
Grant date	Sep 13, 2022
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Aug 5, 2040

Classification

Technology area (CPC G)Physics
CPC primaryG21F9/30
WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for decontaminating a metal surface exposed to radioactive liquid or gas during operation of a nuclear facility comprises an oxidation step wherein a metal oxide layer on the metal surface is contacted with an aqueous oxidation solution comprising a permanganate oxidant for converting chromium into a Cr(VI) compound and dissolving the Cr(VI) compound in the oxidation solution; and a first cleaning step wherein the oxidation solution containing the Cr(VI) compound is directly passed over an anion exchange material and the Cr(VI) compound is immobilized on the anion exchange material. The method provides for substantial savings of radioactive waste and produces chelate-free waste.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.