Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Design and adaptation of a novel supercritical extraction facility for operation in a glove box for recovery of radioactive elements

Journal Article · · Review of Scientific Instruments
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3484190· OSTI ID:22055728
; ; ; ;  [1]
  1. Chemistry Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Tamil Nadu, Kalpakkam 603102 (India)
The design and development of a novel supercritical extraction experimental facility adapted for safe operation in a glove box for the recovery of radioactive elements from waste is described. The apparatus incorporates a high pressure extraction vessel, reciprocating pumps for delivering supercritical fluid and reagent, a back pressure regulator, and a collection chamber. All these components of the system have been specially designed for glove box adaptation and made modular to facilitate their replacement. Confinement of these materials must be ensured in a glove box to protect the operator and prevent contamination to the work area. Since handling of radioactive materials under high pressure (30 MPa) and temperature (up to 333 K) is involved in this process, the apparatus needs elaborate safety features in the design of the equipment, as well as modification of a standard glove box to accommodate the system. As a special safety feature to contain accidental leakage of carbon dioxide from the extraction vessel, a safety vessel has been specially designed and placed inside the glove box. The extraction vessel was enclosed in the safety vessel. The safety vessel was also incorporated with pressure sensing and controlling device.
OSTI ID:
22055728
Journal Information:
Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 81; ISSN 0034-6748; ISSN RSINAK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English