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Title: A parallel-plate electrochemical reactor model for the destruction of nitrate and nitrite in alkaline waste solutions

Journal Article · · Journal of the Electrochemical Society
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2044145· OSTI ID:64796
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of South, Columbia, SC (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering
  2. Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)

The electrochemical treatment of nuclear waste is the subject of much current interest. After radioactive decontamination, the liquid waste from nuclear fuel processing still contains many hazardous substances, among them nitrate and nitrite. A parallel-plate electrochemical reactor model with multiple reactions at both electrodes and anolyte and catholyte recirculation tanks was modeled for the electrochemical destruction of nitrate and nitrite species in an alkaline solution. The model can be used to predict electrochemical reaction current efficiencies and outlet concentrations of species from the reactor, given inlet feed conditions and cell operating conditions. Also, predictions are made for off-gas composition and liquid-phase composition in the recirculation tanks. The results of case studies at different applied potentials are shown here. At lower applied potentials, the model predictions show that the destruction process is more energy efficient, but the time required to destroy a given amount of waste is increased.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
64796
Journal Information:
Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Vol. 142, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Apr 1995
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English