Technique for converting spent radioactive ion exchange resins into a stable and safely storable form

US4235738A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• Vereinigte Edlsthalwerke Aktiengesellschaft (VEW) · AT
• Oesterreichische Studiengeseilschaft fur Atomenergie G.m.b.H. · AT

Inventors

• Karl Knotik · Eisenstadt, AT
• Peter Leichter · Wien, AT
• Heinz Jakusch · Ternitz, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 22, 1976
• Grant date: Nov 25, 1980
• Expiry date: Jun 22, 1996

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G21F9/32
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved heat treatment for spent ion exchange resins containing radioive inorganic compounds is described for converting the resin into a form which can be safely stored, either directly or embedded in concrete or bituminous. The resin is heated, in the presence of an inert gas such as nitrogen or a reducing gas such as carbon monoxide, to a temperature sufficient to effect a carbonization of the resin but too low to cause the radioactive compounds in the resin to evaporate or sublimate. The resulting low-temperature carbonization of the resin effectively fixes the non-volatile compound to the resin, and prevents a later radiolytic decomposition of such compounds during storage. Preferably, such technique is carried out in a combined furnace-condenser apparatus, wherein the condenser is disposed below and in communication with the lower end of the furnace for effecting a condensation of the volatile carbonization products of the resin while the latter is heated in the furnace in the required non-oxidizing atmosphere.