Process for removing radioactive burden from spent nuclear reactor decontamination solutions using electrochemical ion exchange

摘要

Spent nuclear reactor coolant system decontamination solutions are processed to remove the radioactive burden and to separate metallic impurities using ion exchange resins within an electrochemical cell. The application of electric current to the electrochemical cell causes hydrogen ions to replace captured cations held on the ion exchange resin, thereby regenerating the resin for subsequent processing. The displaced cations migrate into the cathode compartment. The radioactive burden and metallic impurities are removed from the cathode compartment of the electrochemical cell. In a particularly preferred process, the cations are plated onto the cathode and disposed of as solids.