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U.S. Department of Energy
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Research and development activities: fixation of radioactive residues. Quarterly progress report, July-September 1962

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5519147

In calcination and solidification studies, the radiant-heat calciner performed satisfactorily with full-level Purex 1ww feed yielding a dry melted product. Development work on in-tank solidification of bulk salt waste was continued. Studies concerning packaging of radiocesium and radiostrontium were started. In sorption and extraction studies, evaluation of the cation exchange characteristics of commercially available zeolite continued. Several binary systems were studied in detail, and limited studies on a ternary system were made. Experiments were continued in the Micro Pilot Plant (MPP) to improve ion exchange removal of Ru from Purex Tank Farm condensate and to better understand Ru removal so that it can be predicted. Ru appears to be present primarily in the anionic form, but some is present in the cationic form. Although combined treatments of cation and anion exchange efficiently remove Ru, the presence of nitrates and nitrites in the condensate waste reduce the efficiency unless they are also removed. Flowsheets for removal of Cs from Purex wastes were firmed up. These flowsheets are based on the use of both natural and synthetic inorganic ion exchangers. Engineering-scale studies of the loading of Sr on inorganic zeolites for use in fission-product packaging schemes were started. Poor Sr sorption kinetics were observed when 1/16-in. pellets were used in the packed beds. Further laboratory work was started to study methods of improving the kinetics of the process.

Research Organization:
General Electric Co., Richland, WA (USA). Hanford Atomic Products Operation
DOE Contract Number:
AT(45-1)-1350
OSTI ID:
5519147
Report Number(s):
HW-75290
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English