Technical and Economic Feasibility of Zeolite Encapsulation for Krypton-85 Storage

摘要

This report presents experimental results and analyses to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of encapsulation by zeolites as a method to immobilize krypton-85 for safe, long-term storage. The process, which is feasible for a reference 2000 metric ton of heavy metal per year reprocessing plant, would encapsulate krypton at approximately 20 cm exp 3 /g, using temperatures greater than 575 exp 0 C and pressures greater than 1600 atm. A conceptual design and cost estimate was made for a commercial-scale facility, using well-established technology for building, operating, and containing krypton-85 within such a processing system. Safety considerations to contain any krypton released from the processing equipment are within existing technology. 36 figures, 12 tables. (ERA citation 04:056095)