Development of Wet-Oxidation and Solidification System for Treatment of Spent Radioactive Ion-Exchange Resin

摘要

Currently, spent ion exchange resin is dehydrated, loaded in 55-gallon drums and temporarily stored in nuclear power stations in Taiwan. As of the end of 2012, there have been 7,372 drums of spent resin stored in Kuosheng Nuclear Power Station (KNPS) and an estimated 450 drums per year are additionally produced. This kind of radioactive waste tends to deteriorate and is likely to pose a threat to the environment if not stabilized. Conventional treatment for spent resin via direct cementation produces a large amount of solidified waste, which results in high disposal costs. For volume reduction and stabilization of spent ion exchange resin, the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER) has successfully developed a unique wet oxidation and high-efficiency solidification technology (WOHEST). WOHEST features performance of greater than 60% volume reduction, low energy consumption, and no secondary waste created. The full-fledged and viable process not only garners patents from U.S., Japan, EU, and Taiwan, but has also acquired its validation completely via bench and pilot (capacity: 3-5 L/H) tests. Accordingly, the environmentally friendly technology is the best option for the treatment of spent resin. In collaboration with Taipower Company, INER is currently developing a wet oxidation and high efficiency solidification system of 40 L/H in KNPS. The system is in the process of trial runs after finishing the conceptual, basic, and detailed design as well as equipment development and mimic configuration.