Method for Partial Decontamination of Radioactive Waste

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a method for partially decontaminating solid radioactive waste, especially carbon-based materials like graphite from nuclear reactors. By treating the waste with carefully chosen chemical agents (corrosion media) such as hydrogen, oxygen, halogens, or their ions, and applying controlled energy (heat, radiation, or electric/magnetic fields), radionuclides—especially carbon-14—are selectively converted into gaseous or soluble products, which can then be separated and managed more effectively. The process makes use of the specific chemical and physical binding differences between radioactive and stable isotopes within the waste, improving selectivity and efficiency in radionuclide removal, while minimizing the destruction or loss of non-radioactive material.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Decontamination and volume reduction of carbon-based nuclear waste (e.g., spent reactor graphite) before disposal.
• Treatment of porous solid radioactive waste to selectively remove and concentrate radionuclides like 14C, 3H, and certain metal isotopes.
• Pre-processing step in nuclear waste management to downgrade waste classification (e.g., from intermediate-level to low-level), enabling cheaper and safer disposal.
• Extraction and isolation of valuable or hazardous radioisotopes for potential reuse or concentrated long-term storage.
• Selective treatment of other types of nuclear waste containing isotopes with differing chemical binding characteristics.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Selective removal of radioactive isotopes (especially 14C), resulting in significant reduction of radioactive waste volume and improved safety.
• Ability to process waste without completely destroying the bulk non-radioactive matrix, allowing for potential re-use or easier storage.
• Reduces the demand and cost for expensive long-term geological storage by lowering waste activity classification.
• Adaptable to various waste forms (granules, powder, blocks) and types of contamination (metallic radionuclides, gases, etc.).
• Potential to recover isolated radionuclides for industrial or research use, turning waste into a resource.
• Process parameters (temperature, choice of chemicals, energy source) can be optimized for high selectivity and efficiency.
• Improves worker and environmental safety by minimizing hazardous releases and secondary waste generation.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for partially decontaminating radioactive waste. In said method, the waste is first mixed with or brought in contact with at least one corrosion medium. Then activation energy is provided to the corrosion medium so that at least a portion of the radionuclide present in the waste is converted into at least one gaseous reaction product or put into solution by hydrogen or hydrogen ions, oxygen or oxygen ions, and/or a halogen (for example, chlorine) or halogen ions from the corrosion medium. The objective of the method according to the sub-claim is to decontaminate a porous solid waste that contains 12C/13C and that is laden with the radionuclide 14C. The waste is exposed to CO2 and/or hydrogen as a corrosion medium so that the waste is at least partially converted into at least one gaseous reaction product, wherein the process temperature is selected in such a way that the concentration of the radionuclide 14C is increased in the reaction product relative to the concentration of 12C/13C.