Electrochemical exchange anions in decontamination solutions

摘要

Spent nuclear reactor coolant system decontamination solutions are first processed to remove the radioactive burden and to separate metallic impurities using cation exchange resins. The cation-processed waste solution is then flowed through an anion exchange resin held between anion-permeable membranes within an electrochemical cell. The application of electric current to the electrochemical cell causes hydroxide ions to replace captured anions held on the ion exchange resin, thereby regenerating the anion exchange resin for subsequent processing. The displaced anions migrate into the anode compartment where they can be oxidized to carbon dioxide for simple disposal.