Decontamination using electrolysis

摘要

Disclosed is a method of decontaminating metal surfaces having a radioactive coating thereon where the coating contains metal ions. An aqueous decontamination solution containing at least one chelate is passed over the coating to solubilize the metals. The decontamination solution is then passed through a porous direct current electrode to reduce the metal ions in the solution and the decontamination solution is again passed over the coating. Also disclosed is an apparatus for decontaiminating metal surfaces coated with radioactive substances. The apparatus consists of a container means for holding an aqueous decontamination solution where the solution contains a chelate, a porous cathode through which the aqueous decontamination solution is passed, and means for circulating the aqueous decontamination solution between the container means, the porous cathode, and the metal surfaces.