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Title: Irradiation effects on the storage and disposal of radwaste containing organic ion-exchange media. [3 functional forms of resin - sulfonic acid cation exchanger, quarternary ammonium anion exchanger and mixed bed combination of the two]

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5088342· OSTI ID:5088342

Polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) based ion exchangers are commonly used in water demineralization or decontamination operations at nuclear facilities. Self-irradiation from sorbed radionuclides may affect the properties of radwaste containing these ion-exchange media. The effects of external irradiation on anion, cation, and mixed bed PS-DVB ion exchangers have been investigated under conditions relevant to radwaste storage and disposal. Three effects are emphasized in the present report: (1) release of acids, radionuclides or chemically aggressive species through radiolytic attack on the functional group, (2) radiolytic generation/uptake of corrosive or combustible gases, (3) effect of irradiation on solidification of resins in cement. Special consideration was placed on external variables such as radiation dose rate, resin chemical loading and moisture conditions, accessibility to atmospheric oxygen, and interactions in multicomponent systems. Such variables may affect the correspondence between laboratory results and field performance. 40 references, 24 figures, 28 tables.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH00016
OSTI ID:
5088342
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-3383; BNL-NUREG-51691; ON: DE84008677
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English