Method for Reducing or at Least Partially Removing Specific Radiotoxic Agents from a Nuclear Plant

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This invention presents a method for reducing or removing specific radiotoxic agents from nuclear facilities. By introducing a controlled amount of a corrosive agent (such as a gas or liquid) into the nuclear system during or after operation, it chemically reacts with surface-bound radiotoxic substances to form chemical compounds. These compounds, often in a gaseous form, are then extracted via the system's normal return flow, enabling efficient decontamination of the facility's internal surfaces without dismantling it.

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• Decontamination of active or decommissioned nuclear power plants to reduce radiotoxic contamination before dismantling.
• Targeted removal of hazardous isotopes like Carbon-14, Chlorine-36, or others from reactor graphite or insulation materials in gas-cooled, graphite-moderated reactors.
• Upgrading waste classification from intermediate/high-level to low-level waste for easier, cheaper disposal.
• Periodic or continuous removal of radiotoxins during reactor operation to minimize long-term contamination.
• Preparation of nuclear plant components for recycling, reuse, or less hazardous storage.
• Reducing the risk and cost for workers during nuclear plant dismantling by lowering radioactive contamination prior to manual intervention.

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• Reduces radioactive contamination without dismantling plant structures, preserving integrity and safety during operation or shutdown.
• Minimizes radiation exposure risk for workers during subsequent decommissioning steps.
• Decreases volume and category of radioactive waste, leading to easier and less expensive disposal.
• Processes can be applied during regular plant operation or during shutdown, offering operational flexibility and regulatory advantages.
• Selective removal of surface and pore-bound radioisotopes maximizes efficiency with minimal structural material loss.
• Compatible with existing reactor cleaning or gas handling systems, reducing the need for major retrofits.
• Potential to recover and separate radiotoxins that may have commercial or research value.
• Decreases secondary risks such as structural weakening or explosive byproducts typically associated with conventional chemical decontamination.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Within the context of the invention, a method was developed for the at least partial removal of a radiotoxic agent from a nuclear plant. During operation of said plant, at least one working fluid flows through it, the fluid being introduced into the plant through at least one supply line and discharged from the plant through at least one return line. The working fluid can in particular be a cooling fluid or a cooling gas. According to the invention, at least one corrosive agent is introduced through the supply line into the plant, either individually or in combination with the working fluid. The corrosive agent is then brought in contact with the radiotoxic agent in the plant and converts the radiotoxic agent at least partially into a chemical compound through a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction takes place substantially only on the outer and inner surfaces with which the corrosive agent comes in contact, including inner surfaces of pores in which the corrosive agent penetrates. The chemical compound is discharged from the plant at least partially by way of the return line.