Optimum conditions for the use of vermiculite in the decontamination of radio-active effluent

摘要

It is shown that the ion exchange efficiency of vermiculite (a natural magnesium alumino silicate) is impaired by the precipitation of magnesium hydroxide in the exchanger matrix when considering the removal of radio-active isotopes from effluent at pH 11.5 - 12.0.nExperiments are described 'which' short that this deficiency can be overcome by either of the following operations:-n(a) Conversion of the vermiculite to the sodium form prior to use.n(b) Neutralisation of the column influent to pH 7.0.nIt is concluded that the former is the better, both from an economic and practical point of view.