Development of an In-Situ Mixed Iron Oxide (IS-MIO) process for the removal of strontium and actinides from alkaline tank waste

C. Pereira, H. A. Arafat, A. V. Gelis, S. B. Aase, G. F. Vandegrift

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

An In-situ Mixed Iron Oxide or IS-MIO process is being evaluated for removal of radioactive strontium (Sr)and actinides from alkaline tank wastes at the Savannah River Site. In the IS-MIO process, a solution of iron (II) sulfate and iron (111) nitrate, is added to highly alkaline tank waste containing radioactive strontium and actinides. An iron (Fe) precipitate is formed immediately upon contact with the waste solution. This precipitate captures the radionuclides of interest in the waste by occlusion, co-precipitation, or a combination of both processes. The solids remain suspended in the solution forming a slurry that can be separated from the treated waste by filtration. The effectiveness of the ISMIO in-tank process depends on the effectiveness of the decontamination. Iron oxide has been shown effective in removing Sr and actinides from waste at the laboratory scale. In a tank process, effective mixing is required to rapidly distribute the precipitated iron oxides throughout the volume upon addition of the Fe solution to the tank waste. In this paper we examined the effectiveness of IS-MIO in removing Sr, plutonium (Pu), uranium (U), neptunium (Np), and americium (Am) from a simulated tank waste and the effect of mixing intensity and residence time on the precipitates that are formed. Decontamination Factors (DF) were measured as a function of time, Fe concentration, and temperature. The effect of mixing intensity and duration on the particle size distribution, morphology, and uniformity of the suspension are also described.

Original languageBritish English
Title of host publication2004 AIChE Spring National Meeting, Conference Proceedings
Pages2604-2617
Number of pages14
StatePublished - 2004
Event2004 AIChE Spring National Meeting, Conference Proceedings - New Orleans, LA, United States
Duration: 25 Apr 200429 Apr 2004

Publication series

Name2004 AIChE Spring National Meeting, Conference Proceedings

Conference

Conference2004 AIChE Spring National Meeting, Conference Proceedings
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNew Orleans, LA
Period25/04/0429/04/04

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