Method for disposing of a solution containing an organic acid

US5958247A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Horst-Otto Bertholdt · Nuremberg, DE
• Dietmar Bege · Erlangen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 30, 1996
• Grant date: Sep 28, 1999
• Expiry date: Sep 30, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C02F2101/006
• WIPO field: Environmental technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method and a device are provided for disposing of an aqueous solution that contains an organic acid and an iron complex and occurs particularly in the decontamination of radioactively contaminated surfaces of components. It is contemplated that the iron complex in the solution is reduced by irradiation with UV light. A dissolved iron salt and carbon dioxide, which is given off, are formed in the process. An oxidant is then added to the solution that contains the dissolved iron salt and the organic acid. This produces water, and the iron complex forms once again. Some of the dissolved iron salt is removed from the solution by means of a cation exchanger. The solution containing the iron complex is irradiated again with UV light. A cycle process ensues, which continues until all the organic acid is consumed.