Novel Method for Removing Gadolinium from Used Heavy Water Reactor Moderator

Journal Article · Tue May 14 00:00:00 EDT 2002 · Nuclear Technology

OSTI ID:799366

Wilde, E W

A novel process to treat used heavy water moderator (D2O) contaminated with high concentrations of the neutron poison, gadolinium nitrate,Gd(NO3)3, is described. Gadolinium is removed by precipitation. The resultant precipitate (GdPO4. 6H2O) represents an extremely rare compound of considerable potential value. The resultant supernatant consisting of residual nitrate (NaNO3 or KNO3) is less toxic and easier to process than the original waste. Thus, the alkali metal waste handling can be done with considerably less environmental concern. This waste can potentially be treated by a combination of electrochemical and biological methods.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy (US)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-96SR18500
• OSTI ID: 799366
• Report Number(s): WSRC-MS-2002-00146; NUTYBB; TRN: US0206386
• Journal Information: Nuclear Technology, Other Information: PBD: 14 May 2002; ISSN 0029-5450
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
ALKALI METALS
GADOLINIUM
HEAVY WATER
MODERATORS
NEUTRONS
NITRATES
PRECIPITATION
WASTES