Irradiation Effects on the Storage and Disposal of Radwaste Containing Organic Ion-Exchange Media

摘要

The effects of external irradiation on anion, cation, and mixed bed organic ion exchangers have been investigated under conditions relevant to radwaste storage and disposal. Two effects are emphasized: (1) radiolytically induced release of acids, radionuclides or chemically aggressive species, and (2) radiolytic generation/uptake of corrosive or combustible gases. For sulfonic acid cation resin, sulfate ion is produced in the radiolytic scission of the functional group. The insensitivity to external parameters may make the sulfate yield a convenient measure of radiation durability for regulatory considerations. The acidity which results from a given sulfate yield depends on the resin loading. Acidity is substantially reduced for loadings other than H+. For heavy irradiation doses incorporating cation/anion resins in mixed bed form, the presence of anions resin did not protect against radiolytic acidity formation. The irradiated anion resin may also release substantial amounts of free liquid. Radiolytic hydrogen gas yield data support the validity of accelerated testing at high radiation dose rates. Oxygen gas is removed from the environment of irradiated resins by an efficient radiolytic oxidation process.