System for storing radioactive salt solution

Abstract

An improved system for receiving and storing a radioactive salt solution includes a storage tank configured to receive the radioactive salt solution while preventing critical accidents, a solution inlet for transporting the radioactive salt solution to the storage tank, an overflow bottle, and a cap sealing a top end of the storage tank. The lid includes a side y-fitting having a side tube configured to direct the radioactive salt solution from the solution inlet into the storage tank, a vertical tube configured to direct gas from the storage tank to the ventilation system, and an overflow line configured to transport excess radioactive salt solution from the storage tank to an overflow storage tank. An air gap between the side tube and the solution inlet prevents the radioactive salt solution from flowing back to the solution inlet. The control system includes a level switch configured to provide a signal that the storage tank contains a maximum volume of radioactive salt solution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to systems for storing toxic radioactive saline solutions. Background Art

[0002] Acid-deficient uranyl nitrate solution is used in the sol-gel process of fuel fabrication. However, this solution is toxic, so a system is needed to safely store unused or discarded uranyl nitrate solution and other radioactive salt solutions. In addition, acid-deficient uranyl nitrate solution has a uranium concentration of 0.5M to 3.5M and a pH of 0.5 to 2.8. Therefore, the system for storing uranyl nitrate solution must be able to withstand exposure to highly acidic conditions.

[0003] Other radioactive salt solutions, including nitrates of various radioactive metals, can be used in the sol-gel process of fuel fabrication. Uranium, thorium, and plutonium-based ceramic fuel elements are made from acidic solutions of UO2(NO3)2 (uranyl nitrate), U(NO3)6 (uranium nitrate), K2UO2(SO4)2 (potassium uranyl sulfate), UO2(SO4) (uranyl sulfate), U(SO4)2 (uranium sulfate), uranyl phosphate, Th(NO3)4, or Pu(NO3)4. Therefore, a system for safely storing unused or discarded radioactive salt solutions should be suitable for storing various radioactive metal salts.

[0004] In view of the foregoing, there exists a need to develop improved methods and systems for storing toxic radioactive saline solutions. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the current need to store toxic, radioactive or other hazardous liquid materials, a brief overview of various embodiments is provided. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in the following overview, which is intended to emphasize and introduce some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, rather than to limit the scope of the invention. A detailed description of the embodiments sufficient to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventive concept will be provided in a later section.

[0006] Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a system for receiving and storing a radioactive saline solution, comprising:

[0007] a tank having a top and a bottom, the tank configured to receive a radioactive saline solution while preventing a criticality accident, wherein the tank has a defined width;

[0008] a solution inlet for delivering the radioactive salt solution to the storage tank;

[0009] Overflow bottle;

[0010] A cap that seals the top of the tank; and

[0011] The air gap between the side tube and the solution inlet is configured to prevent the radioactive saline solution from flowing back into the solution inlet.

[0012] In various embodiments, the cover includes a side y-shaped fitting having:

[0013] a side pipe configured to direct the radioactive saline solution from the solution inlet into the storage tank,

[0014] a vertical pipe configured to direct gas from the storage tank to the ventilation system; and

[0015] An overflow line configured to carry excess radioactive saline solution from the storage tank to an overflow tank.

[0016] The system for receiving and storing a radioactive saline solution may further include a selector for the ventilation system, the selector configured to receive gas from the tank, and a second air gap between the selector and the vertical pipe, the second air gap configured to prevent the radioactive saline solution from flowing into the selector.

[0017] In various embodiments, the system includes a control system having:

[0018] a level switch configured to provide a signal that the tank is full, i.e., the tank contains a maximum volume of radioactive saline solution;

[0019] a first valve configured to terminate the flow of the radioactive salt solution from the solution inlet to the side tube upon receiving a signal from the level switch; and

[0020] The second valve is configured as:

[0021] Allowing radioactive saline solution to flow from the tank to the overflow line, and

[0022] Allow gas to flow from the tank to the selector.

[0023] The first valve is set to a normally closed state to prevent overfilling of the tank in the event of a malfunction; and the second valve is set to a normally open state to prevent overflow of the radioactive saline solution in the event of a malfunction when filling the tank. The second valve is configured to close when the tank is not filled or emptied, thereby preventing liquid or gas in the tank from escaping. In various embodiments, the first valve and the second valve are solenoid valves.

[0024] The system for receiving and storing a radioactive saline solution may also include a solution outlet at the bottom of the tank, and a valve configured to allow the radioactive saline solution in the tank to flow through the solution outlet to empty the tank.

[0025] A system for receiving and storing a radioactive saline solution may include an input pump configured to pump the radioactive saline solution to a solution inlet, wherein the input pump stops pumping the radioactive saline solution upon receiving a signal from a level switch, thereby preventing overfilling of the storage tank.

[0026] In various embodiments, an overflow bottle in a system for receiving and storing a radioactive saline solution includes a container having a mouth; and a cap including a vent configured to capture hazardous vapors, an opening welded to the overflow line; and means for removably securing the cap to the mouth of the container. The means for removably securing the cap to the mouth of the container may include:

[0027] Triple clamp closure,

[0028] a clamp having a C-shaped clamping portion connected by a hinge, the clamp being configured to engage the periphery of the lid and the periphery of the spout; or

[0029] The external threads on the mouth of the container are configured to mate with corresponding internal threads on the cap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] For a better understanding of various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 A system for receiving and storing a radioactive saline solution is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 Shown for management Figure 1 Control systems for fluid flow in systems;

[0033] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C A system for receiving and storing a radioactive saline solution is shown, comprising a tank configured to receive the radioactive saline solution; and a cover having a side y-shaped fitting;

[0034] Figure 4 The tank support plate is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 Shows the use of Figure 4 The tank support plate is mounted to the tank on the bracket; and

[0036] Figure 6 Shown for Figure 1 overflow bottle in the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Abandoned or unused acid deficient uranyl nitrate (ADUN) solution requires safe storage. Safe ADUN storage requires tanks that are geometrically safe to prevent the possibility of criticality accidents, i.e., tanks with an outside diameter of approximately 5 inches or less, 4.5 inches or less, or 4 inches or less. Tanks must be resistant to chemical corrosion from concentrated nitric acid.

[0038] Although the storage of ADUN solution is of particular interest here, other radioactive salt solutions that can be used as precursors for forming radioactive ceramic nuclear fuels through the sol-gel process can also be stored using the system disclosed herein. Suitable radioactive salt solutions include acidic solutions of UO2(NO3)2 (uranyl nitrate), Th(NO3)4, Pu(NO3)4, and mixtures thereof. Radioactive salt solutions based on uranium, thorium, and plutonium can be acidic solutions of UO2(NO3)2 (uranyl nitrate), U(NO3)6 (uranyl nitrate), K2UO2(SO4)2 (potassium uranyl sulfate), UO2(SO4) (uranyl sulfate), U(SO4)2 (uranyl sulfate), uranium phosphate, Th(NO3)4, or Pu(NO3)4.

[0039] The acid-deficient uranyl nitrate solution can be prepared by dissolving uranium oxide in aqueous nitric acid to produce a uranium solution, placing the uranium solution in a sealed reaction chamber at a pressure of 5 to 40 atmospheres, and heating the uranium solution to a desired holding temperature between 150° C. and 250° C. The uranium solution is held at the desired holding temperature for a desired holding time in a sealed container, and then the pressure and temperature of the uranium solution are reduced to obtain the acid-deficient uranyl nitrate solution.

[0040] Once the acid-deficient uranyl nitrate solution is prepared, it is converted into ceramic nuclear fuel particles by sol-gel methods known in the art. This conversion can be done immediately, or the acid-deficient uranyl nitrate solution can be stored in acid-resistant storage tanks for later use.

[0041] Storing spent acid-deficient uranyl nitrate (ADUN) requires a geometrically safe tank to prevent the possibility of a criticality accident. In general, the tank can be of any desired height, but must have a narrow width to avoid excessive accumulation of nuclear material at any point along the height of the tank. Since acid-deficient uranyl nitrate is formed in a nitric acid solution, the tank must be resistant to chemical attack by concentrated nitric acid. The design of the tank must prevent the possibility of solution backflow to the solution inlet, which can be achieved by providing an air gap. The tank should be able to be sealed to simultaneously limit gas emissions and overflow of ADUN solution from the tank.

[0042] The tank shall include a selector ("pickup") for venting so that gas can be vented from the tank during filling and emptying operations without interrupting venting of the tank unless all flow into or out of the tank is stopped. Other features of the system include:

[0043] Overflow lines, which carry excess fluid away from the tank;

[0044] A level switch to shut off the flow of ADUN solution into the tank before the tank is full; and

[0045] Optional demister inside the tank to limit solution droplets discharge to the vent selector.

[0046] The system disclosed herein for receiving and storing radioactive saline solution includes the following improved design features:

[0047] A backflow-safe inlet flange (BSIF) prevents solution backflow, provides an independent overflow path, interfaces with facility ventilation, and allows the tank to be sealed to prevent vapor release;

[0048] A criticality-safe tank support (CTS) that allows the tank to be mounted on a process skid; and

[0049] The criticality-safe tank overflow bottle (CTOB) provides a final containment path for the solution in the event of an overflow.

[0050] Figure 1 A system for receiving and storing radioactive saline solutions (such as ADUN) is shown. The system includes a tank 1 with an outer diameter y and a height x. In various embodiments, the tank 1 can be formed by a vertically oriented stainless steel pipe with an outer diameter y of 5 cm to 12.5 cm (or 2 inches to 5 inches), or 10 cm to 11.5 cm (or 4 inches to 4.5 inches). Tanks of this diameter can be used in the nuclear fuel processing industry to prevent potential critical accidents caused by excessive accumulation of radioactive materials at any given depth in the tank. In various embodiments, the tank can have a height x of 0.5 meters to 5 meters, 1 meter to 4.5 meters, 2 meters to 4 meters, or 3 meters to 3.8 meters. The tank can have an outer diameter y of 11 cm to 11.5 cm, and a height x of 3.5 meters to 3.6 meters, and can be sealed at the top and bottom to produce a tank with a capacity of about 30L. Tank 1 is geometrically safe to prevent the possibility of criticality accidents during storage of radioactive salts, and the stainless steel material is chemically resistant to concentrated nitric acid.

[0051] The system disclosed herein is suitable for receiving and storing any solution containing fissile material in a fuel manufacturing facility. Any soluble salt of uranium, thorium, plutonium or their oxidized forms can be used. The only limitation is the material compatibility between the storage tank 1 and the solution. Solutions of uranium, thorium or plutonium salts in sulfuric acid, nitric acid or phosphoric acid aqueous media are compatible with stainless steel storage tanks 1. Since hydrochloric acid corrodes stainless steel, solutions of uranium, thorium or plutonium salts in hydrochloric acid aqueous media are incompatible with stainless steel. If it is necessary to store uranium, thorium or plutonium salts in hydrochloric acid aqueous media, the storage tank 1 can be composed of a glass tube.

[0052] The upper end of the tank 1 is sealed with an anti-backflow inlet flange, which includes a cover 2 with a flange. The cover 2 includes a side y-shaped fitting 5 with a vertical pipe and a side pipe 4. The side pipe 4 is configured to guide the radioactive salt solution from the solution inlet to the interior of the tank 1. The vertical pipe in the side y-shaped fitting 5 is configured to discharge the gas in the tank 1 to the ventilation system. The tank 1 may include a demister 17 to enhance the removal of radioactive salt solution droplets from the gas discharged from the tank 1. The demister 17 may be a mesh coalescer to coalesce the droplets into larger droplets. The demister 17 may be a knitted wire mesh mat demister, a woven mesh demister, a non-woven mesh demister, or a demister formed by a plate or a series of plates with fine holes. The demister 17 is located in the tank 1, directly below the cover 2.

[0053] To prevent spillage of radioactive saline solution in the event that the tank 1 overflows during filling, an overflow line 13 carries excess radioactive saline solution from the side y-fitting 5 to a critical safety tank overflow bottle 12 (at Figure 6 ). The tubing in the side y-fitting 5 may have an outer diameter that is greater than the diameter of the opening in the overflow bottle 12. When the overflow line 13 exits the fitting 5, its outer diameter may be the same as the inner diameter of the side y-fitting 5. To compensate for the difference in the initial outer diameter of the overflow line 13 and the diameter of the opening in the overflow bottle, one or more tubing reducers 8 and 9 may be used to reduce the diameter of the overflow line.

[0054] The valve 3 may be located between the cover 2 and the side y-shaped fitting 5. When the valve 3 is opened when filling the tank 1, the radioactive salt solution may enter the interior of the tank 1 from the side pipe 4, and the gas in the tank 1 may be discharged to the ventilation system through the vertical pipe in the fitting 5. When the valve 3 is closed, the radioactive salt solution may be stored in the tank 1 without allowing the solution to overflow or the gas to escape. The valve 3 may be controlled by a controller 3a.

[0055] The tank 1 may include a solution outlet 14 at the bottom of the tank, allowing emptying and recovery of the contents of the tank 1. Valve 7 may be used to open or close the solution outlet 14. A side stream 15 opened or closed by valve 6 may be used to sample the radioactive salt solution in the tank 1.

[0056] The overflow line 13 may be provided with a viewing glass 16. The interior of the overflow line 13 may be monitored with a camera or optical sensor 10 to detect radioactive saline in the overflow line. If radioactive saline is detected in the overflow line 13, the sensor 10 may send a signal to the CPU 11.

[0057] In various embodiments, the tank 1 is made of a stainless steel pipe with a nominal pipe size (NPS) of 4 to 5, and the cover 2 at the top of the tank 1 is a flange cover for NPS 4 pipe or NPS 5 pipe as required. Two ports are machined on the flange cover: a 3 / 4" port for a liquid level switch and a 2" port for connecting to a side y-shaped fitting through a valve 3. In various embodiments, the inlet assembly includes the following components:

[0058] Valve 3, which may be a 2" solenoid valve; and

[0059] The side y-fitting 5, which may be a 2" side y-fitting, is modified with a 2" overflow pipe and a side pipe 4 with a funnel-shaped opening.

[0060] Figure 2 Shown for management Figure 1 A control system for the flow of input solutions and exhaust gases in the system. The cover 2 on the tank 1 includes a liquid level switch 31, which is configured to provide a signal indicating that the tank 1 contains a maximum volume of radioactive salt solution (i.e., the tank 1 is full). The first valve 21 is configured to terminate the flow of the radioactive salt solution from the solution input 20 to the side pipe 4 upon receiving a signal from the liquid level switch. Figure 1 The second valve 3 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as follows:

[0061] Allow radioactive salt solution to flow from tank 1 to overflow line 13 ( Figure 2 not shown), and

[0062] Gas is allowed to flow from the tank 1 to the ventilation system through the ventilation selector 23.

[0063] When the liquid level switch 31 detects that the storage tank 1 is full, the signal from the liquid level switch 31 is sent to the CPU 22, which can communicate with the CPU 22. Figure 11. The CPU 22 may be the same as or different from the CPU 11 in the embodiment. Upon receiving the signal from the liquid level switch 31, the CPU 22 sends a first signal to the input pump, which pumps the radioactive salt solution to the solution input 20, wherein the first signal turns off the input pump to prevent overfilling of the storage tank 1. The CPU 22 also sends a second signal to the valve 21, which closes the valve 21 to terminate the flow of the radioactive salt solution from the solution input 20 to the side pipe 4, also to prevent overfilling of the storage tank 1. The CPU 22 sends a third signal to the valve 3, which opens the valve 3 to allow the radioactive salt solution to flow from the storage tank 1 to the overflow line 13, and allows the gas to flow from the storage tank 1 to the ventilation selector 23.

[0064] Valve 21 is set to a normally closed state so that if valve 21 fails, it will fail in the closed position to prevent overfilling of the tank. Valve 21 is intended to cut off the flow of solution input. When the tank is filled, CPU 22 sends a signal to valve 21 to open, thereby allowing the radioactive salt solution to flow into tank 1.

[0065] Valve 3 is set to a normally open condition so that if valve 3 fails, it will fail in the open position to prevent the radioactive saline solution from spilling out when the tank is filled. When the tank is not being filled or emptied, valve 3 closes to seal the radioactive saline solution and steam within tank 1, thereby limiting the release of potentially radioactive or hazardous materials. During normal operation, valve 3 and valve 21 work together to allow flow only under conditions that prevent backflow.

[0066] In various embodiments, valve 3 and valve 21 are remotely actuated valves. Suitable remotely actuated valves include air-actuated pneumatic valves, motor-driven valves, and solenoid valves.

[0067] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C An embodiment of the disclosed system for receiving and storing radioactive saline solution is shown. The system comprises a tank 1, whose outer diameter y is, for example, 4.5 inches and whose height x is, for example, 141 inches. Figure 3A and 3B The bottom of the tank 1 is shown, comprising a flange 37 and an outlet for the radioactive saline solution with a valve 38 .

[0068] Figure 3A and Figure 3C The top of the storage tank 1 is shown, including a cover 2. The cover 2 includes a liquid level switch 31, which is installed in a first opening of the cover 2 for Figure 2A control system for the side y-fitting 5 is connected to a second opening in the cover 2 with a valve 36 located therebetween. When the tank is filled, radioactive saline solution flows from the solution inlet 34 through the valve 35 to the side tube 4 of the side y-fitting 5. During the filling operation, both valves 35 and 36 are open, allowing the radioactive saline solution to flow from the inlet 34 through the side y-fitting and into the tank 1 through the valve 36. After the tank is filled, both valves 35 and 36 are closed to prevent the radioactive saline solution from overflowing.

[0069] Overflow tube 32 extends from the vertical tube of the side y-shaped fitting 5. If the storage tank 1 is overfilled during the filling operation, excess solution may flow back into the side y-shaped fitting. The solution is discharged through the overflow tube 32 into an overflow bottle (such as Figure 1 This prevents excess solution from overflowing from the opening of the side tube 4, where the solution is received from the inlet 34 or from the vent opening in the vertical tube of the side y-fitting 5.

[0070] like Figure 3C As shown, the ventilation selector 33 is shaped like an inverted funnel. The gas inside the tank 1 may be radioactive or contain nitric acid vapor, and during the filling operation, these gases can escape from the tank 1 through the valve 36 and pass through the vertical tube of the side y-fitting 5. Suction can be applied to the ventilation selector 33 so that the gas escaping from the tank 1 is sucked into the ventilation selector 33.

[0071] Side y-shaped fitting 5 provides solution input through side pipe 4, independent ventilation path through vertical pipe and independent overflow path through overflow pipe 32. Positioning y-shaped fitting 5 above valve 36 allows sealing of storage tank 1 without providing a way to block ventilation path. During operation, the ventilation path through the vertical pipe of fitting 5 must be opened passively. If ventilation path and solution input are independent ports in cover 2, the valve on ventilation path will allow valve to fail in open position, so the valve on ventilation path will not be passively safe. Because ventilation selector 33 and solution inlet 34 are all located above valve 36, if valve 36 is closed, storage tank does not work and gas cannot escape from storage tank. Therefore, ventilation selector and inlet filling are connected by this assembly.

[0072] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The system includes a device to prevent back pressure backflow to the solution inlet 34. Such backflow is caused by a downstream pressure greater than the inlet pressure. Figure 3C As shown, backflow can be prevented by an air gap between the inlet 34 and the side pipe 4. If necessary, the air gap can be replaced by a mechanical backflow prevention device to form a physical barrier to backflow. The mechanical backflow prevention device can be a pressure relief principle assembly, a double check valve assembly, or a pressure vacuum breaker valve assembly.

[0073] A second air gap may be introduced between the ventilation selector 33 and the opening in the vertical tube of the side y-fitting 5. This air gap prevents the radioactive saline solution in the side y-fitting 5 from being sucked into the ventilation selector 33.

[0074] refer to Figure 3B and Figure 3C During the filling operation, both valve 35 and valve 36 are open to allow incoming solution to enter tank 1 through valve 35 and valve 36, while allowing gas to circulate through valve 36. During the filling operation, valve 38 is closed to maintain the solution in tank 1. After filling is completed, both valve 35 and valve 36 are closed to prevent overfilling of the tank, or to prevent gas or radioactive saline solution from escaping from tank 1; and valve 38 is closed. When emptying tank 1, valve 38 is opened to allow radioactive saline solution to flow out of tank 1, and valve 36 is opened to allow atmospheric air to enter tank 1 and prevent a vacuum from forming in the tank.

[0075] Figure 4 Shown for Figure 3A The critical safety tank support of the system includes a tank support plate 44 with a length and width of m. The tank support plate includes a central hole 41 with a diameter y', where y'=y+Δ. The diameter y' is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tank 1 by a distance Δ so as to allow the lower end of the tank 1 to slide through the opening of the central hole 41 without interference. The hole 42 is configured to receive a Figure 3B The tank support plate 44 further includes holes 43 along the edge of the plate 44. The holes 43 are configured to receive bolts (such as those provided by the manufacturer) that pass through the support runners. Figure 5 Each pair of adjacent holes 43 is spaced apart by a distance n. Each hole 43 is spaced apart from the edge of the plate 44 by a distance q.

[0076] Figure 5 Shows the installation to Figure 4 The tank support plate 44 Figure 3B 4. A tank 1 is shown in cross section with plate 44. The tank 1 has an outer diameter y' and an inner diameter y. The tank 1 passes through a central hole 41 of plate 44. A flange 37 on the tank 1 is connected to plate 44 with bolts 52 having heads 51. Bolts 52 pass through holes 42 in plate 44 and are secured in place with nuts 53. The tank support plate 44 is in turn connected to support runners 56 with bolts 54. Bolts 54 pass through holes 43 (e.g., Figure 4 37) and secured in place with nuts 53. The system includes a tank support plate 44 bolted to flange 37 to provide a solid support for the tank. Figure 5 As shown, the tank 1 includes an outlet 57 leading to the valve 38 .

[0077] In various embodiments, an NPS 4 pipe flange or an NPS 5 pipe flange is used as flange 37 and is bolted to plate 44. Flange 37 is also secured to the outer surface of tank 1 in much the same way that cover 2 is secured to the upper end of tank 1. Plate 44 is secured to support runners 56. This provides a sturdy support for tank 1.

[0078] Figure 6 shows the connection to Figure 1 The overflow bottle 12 of the overflow line 13 of the bottle 12. The bottle 12 has a volume of 0.5 liters to 5 liters, 0.7 liters to 4 liters, 0.75 liters to 2.25 liters, or 0.8 liters to 1.2 liters. The bottle 12 has a closure 64, which has a first opening, and the first opening is configured to receive the vent 61, wherein the vent 61 exhausts gas from the inside of the bottle 12. The closure 64 has a second opening 62 suitable for connecting to the overflow line 13. In various embodiments, the bottle 12 and the closure 64 are made of acid-resistant materials, such as stainless steel. The opening 62 can be butt-welded to the overflow line 13. A device 63 for fixing the bottle 12 to the closure 64 is provided. In various embodiments, the closure 64 can have a skirt with internal threads, and the bottle 12 can have an opening with external threads corresponding to the internal threads, so that the bottle 12 can be unscrewed from the closure 64. In various embodiments, the closure 64 and bottle 12 may be secured together with a tri-clamp closure or a clamp having C-shaped clamping portions connected by a hinge and configured to engage the periphery of the cap and the periphery of the spout.

[0079] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain exemplary aspects thereof, it will be appreciated that the invention is capable of other embodiments and that its details are capable of modification in various obvious respects. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing disclosure, description and drawings are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not in any way limit the invention, which is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A system for receiving and storing a radioactive saline solution, comprising: a tank having a top and a bottom, the tank configured to receive a radioactive saline solution while preventing a criticality accident, wherein the tank has a defined width; a solution inlet for conveying the radioactive salt solution to the storage tank; Overflow bottle; A cover sealing the top end of the tank, the cover including a side y-fitting having: a side pipe configured to guide the radioactive salt solution from the solution inlet into the storage tank, a vertical pipe configured to direct gas from the storage tank to a ventilation system; as well as an overflow line configured to transport excess radioactive saline solution from the storage tank to the overflow tank; and a first air gap between the side tube and the solution inlet, configured to prevent the radioactive salt solution from flowing back into the solution inlet.

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a selector for the ventilation system, the selector configured to receive gas from the tank, and a second air gap between the selector and the vertical pipe, the second air gap configured to prevent the radioactive saline solution from flowing into the selector.

3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising a control system, the control system comprising: a level switch configured to provide a signal that said tank contains a maximum volume of said radioactive saline solution; a first valve configured to terminate the flow of the radioactive salt solution from the solution inlet to the side pipe upon receiving a signal from the liquid level switch; as well as The second valve is configured as: allowing the radioactive saline solution to flow from the storage tank to the overflow line, and The gas is allowed to flow from the tank to the selector.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein: The first valve is configured to be normally closed to prevent overfilling of the storage tank in the event of a malfunction; The second valve is set to a normally open state to prevent the radioactive salt solution from overflowing in the event of a failure when filling the tank; and The second valve is configured to close when the tank is not filled or empty.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The first valve and the second valve are solenoid valves.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A solution outlet, wherein the solution outlet is located at the bottom of the storage tank; as well as A valve is configured to allow the radioactive salt solution in the tank to flow through the solution outlet when the valve is in an open state.

7. The system according to claim 3, further comprising: an input pump configured to pump the radioactive salt solution to the solution inlet, The input pump stops pumping the radioactive salt solution when receiving a signal from the liquid level switch.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the overflow bottle comprises: A container having a mouth; Cover, including: vents, configured to capture hazardous vapors, an opening welded to said overflow line; as well as Means for removably securing the cap to the mouth of the container.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: Means for removably securing the cap to the mouth of the container comprising: A clamp having a C-shaped clamping portion connected by a hinge is configured to engage an outer periphery of the cap and an outer periphery of the spout.

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