Electrolytic decontamination apparatus and encapsulation process.

摘要

A method and apparatus for electrolytically removing radioactive metal ions from a decontamination solution to regenerate the solution and prepare the ions for disposal are disclosed herein. At least the cathodic portion (69) of the electrode (45) used in the electrolysis is formed from a combustible material, such as a semi-fluidized bed of graphite particles. In the method of the invention, the decontamination solution is passed in intimate contact with the graphite particles forming the cathodic portion (69) of the electrode (45) as an electric potential is applied to the electrode (45). As a result of the electric potential, the metal ions are detached from the chelate in the decontamination solution and deposited onto the graphite particles of the cathodic portion (69) of the electrode (45). After the electrode (45) becomes spent, it is incinerated in order to reduce the volume of the resulting radioactive ash. The gases produced from the incineration are scrubbed with a scrubbing liquid to remove radioactive particles therefrom. The contaminated scrubbing liquid is in turn used to form a cementitious substance or grout which encapsulates the radioactive ash.