Use of a hydrogen anode for nitrate waste destruction
- Univ. of South Carolina, Columbia, SC (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering
- Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States). Savannah River Lab.
Processes are being evaluated to separate the high-level radioactive species from the waste and store them permanently in the form of durable solids. The remaining low-level radioactive waste contains species such as nitrites and nitrates that are capable of contaminating ground water. The use of a hydrogen gas-fed anode and an acid analyte in an electrochemical cell used to destroy nitrate is demonstrated. A mixed Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4}/H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} anolyte is shown to favor nitrate cell performance and the generation of a higher hydroxide ion concentration in the catholyte. The suggested scheme is an apparent method of sodium sulfate disposal and a possible means through which ammonia (to ammonium sulfate, fertilizer) and hydrogen gas could be recycled through the anode side of the reactor. This could result in a substantial savings in the operation of a nitrate destruction cell.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 404656
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 143; ISSN 0013-4651; ISSN JESOAN
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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