Systems and methods for ion exchange

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for ion exchange in which process fluid is injected simultaneously at multiple points within an ion exchange vessel, allowing contaminants and / or contaminated process fluid to be evenly distributed throughout the ion exchange media. These systems and methods may be implemented in one or more of fixed, mobile, and modular embodiments.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods relating to ion exchange. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods relating to ion exchange in which process fluid is injected simultaneously at multiple points within an ion exchange vessel, allowing contaminants and / or contaminated process fluid to be uniformly distributed throughout the ion exchange media or sorbent. [Background technology]

[0002] Ion exchange processes are generally used to purify or reduce contaminants from fluids by using bead-form resins ("media") made from organic polymer substrates or granulated inorganic compounds and then placed in a column. The contaminated fluid typically flows vertically through the media in the column, entering and exiting through a processing inlet and outlet. In its basic form, ion exchange typically involves the exchange of ions between solid particles and a liquid phase, which can be achieved by utilizing a wide variety of known process processes and equipment. Typical ion exchange column designs focus on maximizing media capacity utilization and minimizing any dead space within the media column, which would result in the contained ion exchange or adsorption media being in insufficient contact with the fluid being treated. Ion exchange approaches known in the art focus on fluid distributor and column design. As an example, fractal distribution creates uniform flow of fluid by placing distribution orifices at the same distance from a central distribution opening, allowing for a more consistent pressure drop across the distributor. Improvements to column configurations are currently used to generate narrow, defined reaction fronts as the treated fluid flows vertically through the column, either top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top. The use of more uniform resin beads can also enhance these desirable hydraulic flow characteristics. Currently, ion exchange device and processing rates are limited by traditional fluid inlet configurations and media efficiencies, which require the fluid to flow vertically through the column to the outlet. However, for the treatment of highly radioactive waste effluents, maximum utilization of media capacity may not be desirable because column replacement frequency is determined by the total activity in the column, not media volume depletion. This generally means that during column replacement, the media is highly heterogeneous, with media near the inlet saturated with radioactive contaminants and media toward the outlet not being effectively used. In fact, maximum utilization of media capacity is disadvantageous because it leads to activity concentrations in small regions of the column, which can cause problems with hydrogen relaxation, temperature control, and future storage and disposal.What is needed in the art are systems and methods that provide better distribution of tractable fluids through ion exchange media to increase processing efficiency, as well as robust, mobile or fixed, rapidly deployable, modular systems to ensure timely containment and radiation protection. The systems and methods disclosed herein are not limited to nuclear waste applications, but may be useful for other applications where uniform distribution of elements or compounds throughout a solid substrate is required. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Disclosed herein are systems and methods for ion exchange in which process fluid is injected simultaneously at multiple points within an ion exchange vessel, allowing contaminants and / or contaminated process fluid to be evenly distributed throughout the ion exchange media. These systems and methods may be implemented in one or more of fixed, mobile, and modular embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] A more complete understanding of the systems, methods, processes, and apparatus disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying illustrative figures, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 shows an embodiment of a complete ion exchange (IX) assembly, including a container and a shield. [Figure 2] 1 shows an embodiment of a shield. [Figure 3] 1 shows an embodiment of an annular container. [Figure 4] 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of an annular container. [Figure 5] 5 shows a view of section AA of the embodiment of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an annular container. [Figure 7] 7 shows a view of section BB of the embodiment of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an annular vessel with the shell removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of an IX assembly. [Figure 10] 10 shows a view of section DD of the embodiment of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 1 shows an embodiment of a standard container. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates an exemplary process embodiment that uses different types of containers in series (by filling). [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an exemplary modular implementation on a container for linear matrices. [Figure 14] 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the vessels of two modules of FIG. 13 operate in parallel. [Figure 15] 14 shows an exemplary embodiment in which two modules of FIG. 13 operate in parallel. [Figure 16] 14 shows an exemplary embodiment in which two modules of FIG. 13 operate in series. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary movable embodiment. [Figure 18] 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary movable embodiment. [Figure 19] 1 illustrates an exemplary burst disk. [Figure 20] 1 illustrates an exemplary catalytic recombiner. [Figure 21] 2 illustrates an embodiment of the IX assembly of FIG. 1 with a catalytic recombiner attached.

[0006] The elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and are not necessarily rendered according to any particular order or embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Before any embodiments of the invention are described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and techniques to which the disclosed embodiments may be applied. The full scope of embodiments is not limited to the examples described below.

[0008] In the following disclosure, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments for practicing the systems, methods, processes, and / or apparatus disclosed herein. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. overview

[0009] The systems and methods disclosed herein overcome the shortcomings of conventional ion exchange vessel designs (referred to herein as standard vessels) in handling highly radioactive waste and other types of fluids. In standard vessels, contaminated process fluid flows vertically through the vessel from an inlet to an outlet in a defined, narrow, mass transfer zone. In the systems and methods disclosed herein, the process fluid (also referred to in some embodiments as contaminated water, wastewater, or influent) is injected simultaneously at multiple points within the ion exchange vessel, allowing the process fluid and / or contaminants within the process fluid to diffuse evenly throughout the ion exchange media, thereby producing a more uniform distribution of contaminants within the vessel.

[0010] The objective of the systems and methods disclosed herein is the uniform distribution of contaminants in the ion exchange media using an annular vessel, as opposed to the conventional approach of using standard vessels to maximize utilization of the ion exchange media or adsorbent. This approach allows for better control of heat generation and subsequent cooling measures, especially with highly radioactive process fluids.

[0011] The treatment fluid entering the annular vessel can be distributed throughout the height of the annular vessel, allowing contaminants in the treatment fluid to be evenly distributed within the medium, thereby avoiding hot spots. The annular configuration allows for better heat dissipation through the use of natural convection cooling channels in the center and between the annular vessel and the shield.

[0012] In some embodiments, adsorbents, absorbents, and sorbents may be used in place of ion exchange media. In discussing adsorption and ion exchange, the two chemical treatment processes have subtle differences; however, for purposes of this disclosure, the terms are used interchangeably. While this disclosure discusses ion exchange embodiments for nuclear waste programs, the systems and methods may be useful for any application requiring an ion exchange treatment process. Container embodiment

[0013] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a complete ion exchange (IX) assembly 100 including a shield 200 and an annular vessel 300. In some embodiments, the empty vessel 300 may weigh approximately 1640 kg. In some embodiments, the shield 200 may weigh approximately 8829 kg. These listed weights are merely examples, and other weights for the empty vessel 300 and shield 200 are possible. In some embodiments, the shield 200 and vessel 300 are cylindrical in shape, and the vessel 300 may have a hollow interior. In some embodiments, the shield 200 and vessel 300 may be oval cylinders with oval or elliptical cross sections, and the vessel 300 may have a hollow interior. The following figures show measurements in millimeters. These measurements are specific to the embodiment shown, and other values ​​may exist for other embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a shield 200. The shield 200 includes lugs 205 on the top for lifting and suspending the IX container 300 (FIG. 3). Lifting lugs 210 allow the IX assembly 100 (FIG. 1) to rest in place during processing. One or more discharge inlets 215 may be positioned around the base of the shield 200. The embodiment shown includes at least six equally spaced, sized discharge inlets 215. In some embodiments, the quantity and spacing of the discharge inlets 215 may vary from the embodiment shown. In some embodiments, one or more discharge inlets may include a filter, such as a micrometer filter, to prevent dust emissions. These filters may be capable of preventing radioactive dust emissions for embodiments processing radioactive processing fluids.

[0015] In some embodiments, shield 200 is formed from cast lead metal. Lead metal has certain properties beneficial for radiation shielding and is therefore widely used for shielding properties when needed. In some embodiments, other materials (e.g., shrapnel, depleted uranium, steel plate, and / or concrete) can be used for shielding during ion exchange processing of radioactive fluids, provided that a sufficient material thickness is used to reduce ambient radiation exposure dose rates to acceptable limits. In some embodiments involving radiation shielding requirements, the material used for shielding depends on characteristics such as heat dissipation from the material, resistance to radiation damage, characteristics during radiation level reduction, weight and thickness required for the embodied system and method, durability of the shield, potential for versatility, industry availability, cost of materials, and physical consistency required for the particular embodiment. In some non-nuclear embodiments, shield 200 can be used despite the absence of radionuclides in the processing fluid. Shielding materials and thicknesses can vary between embodiments. In some embodiments, the same essential shielding design can be used for standard and annular vessels.

[0016] 3 illustrates an embodiment of an annular container 300. The container 300 shown includes a shell 305 surrounding an internal component having one or more internal discharge inlets 380 at its base. In some embodiments, the location of the one or more discharge inlets 380 in the shell 305 correlates with one or more discharge inlets 215 (FIG. 2) in the shield 200 (FIG. 2). The one or more discharge inlet channels 380 allow air to enter the internal discharge channel, and the one or more discharge inlets 215 (FIG. 2) allow air to enter both the internal and external discharge channels between the container and the shield, as disclosed in more detail below.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of an annular vessel 300. The embodiment of the vessel 300 shown includes an outlet 310, an inlet 315, a discharge port 317, inner channel discharge outlets 320a, b, fill ports 325a, b, a shield cap 330, and a dehydration tube 335. In some embodiments, the shield cap 330 and top 301 of the vessel 300 (FIG. 3) may be constructed of cast lead metal to provide shielding. Any shielding material capable of providing shielding from radionuclides may be used, examples include, but are not limited to, steel, depleted uranium, and concrete, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the discharge port 317 may be used to discharge hydrogen. In some embodiments, the discharge port 317 may be used to cool and dissipate heat, such as heat generated during radioactive decay. In some embodiments, the dehydration tube 335 is used to remove free water once the vessel is evacuated. Free water is essentially the process fluid that has been treated by the vessel and may proceed to another vessel or process for further treatment, or may be "clean" water at the end of the treatment regime, depending on one or more characteristics of the influent water and the treatment stage in the overall treatment process.

[0018] FIG. 5 shows a view of section AA of the embodiment of FIG. 4. Section AA is a vertical cross-section of the downward length of vessel 300. In some embodiments, fill ports 325a, b in the top 301 of vessel 300 allow for the addition of ion exchange media. The fill ports 325a, b may be fitted with plugs to shield the process during use. The plugs, in some embodiments, may comprise lead metal or any material capable of providing shielding from radionuclides. A shielding cap 330 covers and shields the inlet 315 (FIGS. 3 and 4), outlet 310 (FIGS. 3 and 4), outlet 317, and dehydration tube 335. A shell 305 surrounds the internal components and provides some additional shielding. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of outlet 317 is 25 mm. In some embodiments, the walls of the inner shell 307 and outer shell 306 are 10 mm thick, the outer diameter of the outer shell 306 is 660 mm, and the inner diameter of the inner shell 307 is 300 mm. In some embodiments, other measurements may be used for the spout 317, the walls of the outer shell 306, the outer diameter of the outer shell 306, and the inner diameter of the inner shell 307. A vertical axis is defined centrally through the vessel 300.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, positioned between the inner shell 307 and the outer shell 306 are two or more evenly (vertically and radially) distributed inlet and outlet headers 350 and 355, respectively. The headers 350 and 355, in some embodiments, are ring-shaped with nozzles evenly distributed on at least one of the interior and exterior of the ring. The nozzle-bearing headers 350 and 355 serve to evenly distribute the process fluid to the ion exchange media contained within the vessel 300. In some embodiments, as shown in Detail C, one or more of the inlet and / or outlet nozzles may be equipped with wedge wire screens on their ends for axial flow. In the illustrated embodiment, five headers 350 and 355 are evenly distributed along the interior height of the vessel 300, with three inlet headers 350 and two outlet headers 355 alternating. In some embodiments, the media fill height is 1200 mm, allowing for a total volume of 0.3 m. In some embodiments, other measurements and volumes may be used.

[0020] FIG. 6 shows a front view of an embodiment of the annular vessel 300. In some embodiments, the height of the shell 305 is 1400 mm. In some embodiments, other measurements may be used. Section BB is cut horizontally across the vessel 300. FIG. 7 shows a view of section BB of the embodiment of FIG. 6. In the embodiment shown, there are 12 evenly distributed inlet nozzles 351 on the exterior of the inlet header 350 and 8 evenly distributed inlet nozzles 351 on the interior of the inner header 350. As noted in the description of FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the inlet headers 350 and outlet headers 355 (FIG. 5) may alternate along the length of the vessel 300 (FIG. 5). Other configurations are possible.

[0021] Figure 8 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of annular vessel 300 with shell 305 (Figure 3) removed to more clearly show the internal components. The embodiment shown shows inlet header 350 with alternating nozzles 351 and outlet header 355 with nozzles 356, as described in Figure 7. A vertical axis is defined centrally through vessel 300.

[0022] FIG. 9 shows a front view of the IX assembly 100. Section DD cuts vertically down the center of the IX assembly 100. FIG. 10 shows a view of section DD of the embodiment of FIG. 9. In the embodiment shown, the IX assembly 100 comprises an annular container 300 (FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the overall height of the IX assembly 100 is 2407 mm. In some embodiments, the measurements of the shield 200 are as follows: height is 1965 mm, overall thickness is 150 mm, thickness between walls is 126 mm, thickness of the outer wall 201 is 12 mm, thickness of the inner wall 202 is 12 mm, outer diameter of the outer wall 201 is 1000 mm, and inner diameter of the inner wall 202 is 700 mm. These measurements may vary in other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the outer discharge channel 415 is located between the inner wall 202 of the shield 200 and the shell 305, connecting one or more discharge inlets 215 from the base to the top outer channel discharge outlet 410. The inner discharge channel 420, in the embodiment shown, is positioned inside the IX assembly 100 and discharges to the top discharge outlets 320a,b of the IX assembly 100.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a standard vessel 400. Standard vessels are known in the art. The illustrated embodiment includes similar exterior components as an annular vessel. The interior of the standard vessel 400 does not include an outlet channel. The illustrated standard vessel 400 includes a single header 357 with a nozzle 358 positioned near the base of the vessel 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 358 is vertically oriented. These vessels 400 may be filled with a sorbent, or one or more filters, tube filters, or filter materials. In some embodiments, the standard vessel 400 may be preferred when the risk of hot spots is reduced or eliminated, for example, when the activity of the process fluid is low or negligible. In some embodiments, an annular vessel and a standard vessel may be implemented in the same process at different stages of the process.

[0024] In some embodiments, the standard vessel 400 (FIG. 10) or the annular vessel 300 (FIG. 5) may be filled with one or more filters rather than ion exchange media. These types of vessels are referred to as filter vessels. In some embodiments, the annular zone of the annular filter vessel may comprise a beam of tubular microfilters. In such embodiments, the process fluid may be fed through the top of the tube. In some embodiments, the filter material may include a non-radiation sensitive metal or ceramic material.

[0025] Configuration and Sizing The ion exchange vessel (or column) can be scalable. Table 1 below shows some sizing flexibilities and their potential impact in some embodiments. [Table 1]

[0026] In some embodiments, the configuration, size, and radioactivity loading of the vessel may be a compromise between one or more of dose flow rate, temperature, radioactive gas management, operability (container handling), clutter (footprint), storage (total number of used vessels), and long-term waste packaging (filtering materials). The size and configuration of the vessel may vary depending on the characteristics of the process fluid and other site factors such as throughput requirements, footprint, and other factors.

[0027] radioactive applications Some embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein can be used to treat radioactive waste fluids. In ion exchange vessel configurations known in the art (standard vessels), as treatment fluid containing radioisotopes passes through the vessel, radioactivity concentrates in the influent and slowly progresses downward (or upward) through the vessel as ion exchange sites become saturated on the ion exchange media. When dealing with highly radioactive waste, the activity limit for the vessel is quickly reached, and the majority of the absorbed radioactivity is concentrated very near the input to the vessel, with little, if any, activity remaining in the majority of the ion exchange media. As a result, the depleted vessel is non-uniform, complicating both hydrogen remediation and the onset of localized thermal heating, and compromising the safe storage and handling of depleted ion exchange media.

[0028] In applications for treating highly radioactive waste fluids, maximizing the capacity of the ion exchange medium is typically undesirable because the amount of waste fluid that can be handled by an ion exchange vessel generally depends not on the capacity of the ion exchange medium but on the total amount of radioactivity concentrated within the vessel. The amount of activity that can be safely trapped is limited due to a combination of heat generation from radioactive decay and hydrogen generated due to the radiolysis of water within the ion exchange medium. To have efficient cooling and obtain sufficient hydrogen remediation, it is essential to obtain a more uniform distribution of activity and to avoid the presence of "hot spots" within the ion exchange vessel where activity is concentrated. Hot spots can significantly compromise the safety and handling of worn ion exchange vessels and compromise shielding, thereby leading to higher dose rates in certain locations than traditional safety limits. The annular vessel system and method disclosed herein reduce / eliminate these concerns through increased heat dissipation and uniform loading.

[0029] For handling processes involving radioactive contaminants, additional shielding and leak prevention measures may be incorporated into the equipment to prevent release of contaminants into the environment and to protect the environment and personnel in the event of a breach. For example, in modularized embodiments, process lines between modules may include secondary containment and leak detection systems. Process modules may include additional shielding, redundant valves and instrumentation, leak detection systems, emergency shutdowns, and hydrogen / flammable gas discharge systems.

[0030] Other processing applications Uniform distribution of contaminants throughout an ion exchange resin, adsorbent, or other granular material (ion exchange media) can be utilized in a variety of applications. Homogeneity and heterogeneity (uniformity and heterogeneity) are known concepts used in chemistry related to the uniformity of matter within a space or container. A homogeneous material is uniform in composition or properties (i.e., color, shape, size, weight, height, distribution, texture, temperature, radioactivity, etc.), while a heterogeneous material is significantly non-uniform in one (or more) of these properties.

[0031] An exemplary application may be the uniform loading of catalytic metals (e.g., platinum, nickel, etc.) throughout a zeolite or other substrate. This is typically performed using a batch operation in which the substrate is physically mixed with a solution of the catalyst, the fluid is drained, and the final product is then dehydrated. Application of the systems and methods disclosed herein may allow this manufacturing process to be performed in smaller vessels with less mechanical action (e.g., no mixing), for shorter periods of time. Eliminating mixing also minimizes product wastage, reduces waste, and eliminates the need for washing to remove particles that may be generated.

[0032] Filled container type The vessel types listed below are examples only and are not intended to be limiting. The vessels may be loaded with any possible ion exchange media or filter material. The characteristics of the process fluid and / or the target isotopes in the process fluid may determine the type of ion exchange or filter material, the number of vessels that may be required, the sequence of processing, and the layout (series / parallel) of the particular process.

[0033] The ion exchange vessels can be filled with any type of adsorbent or ion exchange media, and the IX system is operable to remove many different contaminants when using two or more vessels with different adsorbents or ion exchange media in series. In some embodiments, one or more vessels may be used in series and / or parallel with one or more solids removal filters, ultrafiltration, and / or other filtration systems. Additionally, in some embodiments, the process fluid may proceed through a pretreatment, such as reverse osmosis, before being processed through one or more vessels in series and / or parallel.

[0034] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment in which vessels can be used in series. In the illustrated embodiment, each vessel is operable to capture a different specific element. In the illustrated embodiment, the process fluid can optionally be pH adjusted in tank 415 using a base or acid in some embodiments. The pH can be adjusted over a wide range to maximize isotope removal for a particular process fluid. In some embodiments, one or more sorbents may operate optimally at a pH between 6 and 8. The process fluid can then proceed through one or more filtration steps 420, followed by Cs / Sr IX 425, I IX 430, Sb IX 435, and Ru IX 440. In some embodiments, the process fluid can proceed through tank 445 for final chemical adjustment before exiting the process. Number of containers

[0035] The number and type of vessels used for processing depend on several factors, including the characteristics of the processing fluid (temperature, water chemistry, contaminant concentration and type, volume, etc.), overall activity to be purified, decay time, and average radiation loading per vessel, among other site-specific factors such as footprint, timeline of processing implementation, and required throughput.

[0036] The number of vessels required may also be affected by the timeline of the on-site implementation: over time, as radioactive elements decay, if the treatment process is started late, the overall activity of the treatment fluid may decrease, resulting in fewer vessels being required.

[0037] The use or number of filter vessels (or cartridges) may vary based on one or more of the overall particle activity in the process fluid, the type of filter, and the maximum heat of decay per filter vessel (driven by activity accumulation). The achievable particle decontamination factor may depend on the particle size distribution and cutoff threshold of the available filters. Fixed, mobile and / or modular systems

[0038] The systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented in one or more of fixed, mobile, and modular configurations. A fixed configuration is one in which one or more containers are positioned and fixed in a predetermined location at a site. A mobile configuration is one in which one or more containers are configured in a mobile container, on a trailer, or otherwise movable around a site or from one site to another. A modular configuration is one in which one or more containers are configured in a modular "plug and play" configuration for easier transportation and setup. A site may utilize more than one configuration type for a single project.

[0039] Modularity and mobility are key aspects for an effective, efficient, flexible, and deployable water handling system, particularly in response to an accident such as Fukushima. Containing one or more treatment processes, including the IX system, within one or more separate modules allows for adaptability and better handling customization, allowing only the necessary modules to be transported and brought to the site, thereby reducing transportation, setup, and treatment costs and time. Modules can be added or removed at any time, allowing for a phased approach to site cleanup / treatment. An example of a modular container is the ISO shipping container, a highly mobile and widely used standardized container that can be quickly and easily transported to sites around the world as needed on existing infrastructure, including trucks, railroads, ships, airplanes, and other traditional industrial transportation vehicles. Standard shipping sizes allow for easy stacking for simple, cost-effective transportation; however, other shapes and sizes are possible, including trailer-mounted, drivable, and custom-sized configurations. Modularity also allows for easier setup, as modules can be set up in any configuration as required by the topography of the area, including stacking. Modularity also allows for easy replacement or easy phased retirement for maintenance. Each module can be equipped with standard size quick disconnects for fast and easy connection / disconnection between any modules in any configuration. Modules can operate in series, parallel, or a combination of these. Parallel operation allows for the processing of large volumes of process fluid.

[0040] The systems and methods disclosed herein may operate in combination with the systems and methods disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,981,868 (U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 748,535), entitled "Mobile Processing System for Hazardous and Radioactive Isotope Removal," filed June 24, 2015, issued May 29, 2018, with a priority date of June 24, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and reproduced herein in relevant portions with certain modifications.

[0041] FIG. 13 shows an example of a modular linear matrix of vessels 500. Each vessel 510 rests in a fixed position on a base 505. In the embodiment shown, the base is sized to accommodate five vessels 510 in a single linear matrix; however, other embodiments having more or fewer vessels 510 are possible. One or more of the vessels 510 may be standard vessels. One or more of the vessels 510 may be annular vessels. Each vessel 510 may be filled with a different ion exchange medium or filter, or one or more vessels 510 may contain the same ion exchange medium or filter. In the embodiment shown, process fluid may travel through the vessels 510 in series, entering each vessel inlet 715 and exiting via vessel outlet 710.

[0042] In some embodiments, processing can occur in parallel between one or more matrices, as shown in FIG. 14. Process fluid flow is shown entering inlet 715 on vessel 510a, exiting via outlet 710 on vessel 510a, entering vessel 510b via inlet 715, and exiting vessel 510b via outlet 710. The remainder of the process flow between the two matrices occurs in the same manner between vessels 510c and 510d, between vessels 510e and 510f, between vessels 510g and 510h, and between vessels 510n and 510z. The illustrated embodiment shows five vessels 510 on each matrix 500, although more or fewer vessels are possible. In some embodiments, one or more matrices can operate in parallel, as shown in FIG. 15. In some embodiments, one or more matrices can operate in series, as shown in FIG. 16. Flow is shown generally in FIGS. 15 and 16 for clarity, but proceeds through the inlets and outlets in the same manner as in FIG. 13. In some embodiments, the process fluid may flow between one or more matrices 500 having one or more of different lengths, vessel volumes, vessel sizes, and vessel types.

[0043] 17 and 18 show front and top views, respectively, of the embodiment of FIG. 13 within a mobile container 600. The mobility, modularity, and expandability of the container allows for numerous throughputs and configurations. For example, a module may comprise one or more containers or container types, and various numbers of modules may be mobilized in a single container, skid, or other mobile means. Hydrogen Management and Cooling

[0044] It is important to note that the source of hydrogen in the vessel is water, and water is present in decreasing amounts as radiolysis occurs and is driven off due to radiolytic heating. This means that the risk from hydrogen generation tends to decrease over the course of the process and, in some embodiments, may be negligible at the end of the process when the vessel and / or its contents are prepared and transported to storage.

[0045] Hydrogen accumulation occurs during processing and storage. During processing, when the process fluid is flowing, hydrogen is swept from the vessel along with the process fluid. If the process is stopped for any reason, the hydrogen must be discharged through outlet paths defined on the vessel to the appropriate systems (recombiner, dilution, and release, described in detail below).

[0046] During storage in the exhausted, dehydration vessel, the hydrogen is diluted and (in some embodiments) expelled using natural convection, which is driven primarily by the density difference between the released gas and the ambient air due to hydrogen production and heat of decay.

[0047] In some embodiments, a burst disk may be added to the container prior to shipping. Burst disks are also known as rupture disks, pressure relief disks, bursting disks, or bursting diaphragms. These devices act as one-time pressure relief safety valves that protect the system from overpressure or vacuum conditions. Burst disks are designed to fail at a predetermined pressure. Some advantages of burst disks, as opposed to pressure relief valves, include leak resistance, reduced cost, response time, size constraints, and ease of maintenance. Figure 19 shows an example of a burst disk.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the container is no longer in use, the contents are dehydrated and placed in storage. In storage, the hydrogen released from the water is naturally diluted and discharged from the container to the atmosphere using natural convection. Because the principle of natural convection is based on utilizing a low pressure differential, including a filter / screen with higher resistance may reduce the ability to naturally discharge below any flammability limits. However, in some embodiments, a filter / screen (e.g., NucFil® or Poral®) may be added to the hydrogen discharge port on the container for transport or storage.

[0049] In some embodiments, the contents of the vessel can be removed, processed, and packaged for final disposal. Because hydrogen is naturally vented to the atmosphere below flammability limits, a recombiner is generally considered unnecessary; however, in some embodiments, a recombiner can be added to the final disposal container. FIG. 20 shows an exemplary catalytic recombiner. In some embodiments, a commercially available catalytic recombiner can be added to the vessel after operation and drying through a fill port or other inlet, as shown in FIG. 21. The recombiner can be added to the vessel overpack or secondary storage. Any type of recombiner can be used. In FIG. 21, hydrogen can be discharged from H2 outlet 317 on IX assembly 100 and flow into recombiner 605. During operation, ports 310, 315, and 335 are outlet, inlet, and drain, respectively. During storage, one or more of these ports 310, 315, and 335 can repurpose as an air inlet.

[0050] Sensing and Control One or more sensors and instruments may be used to monitor and control the system throughout the process. The location and type of sensors and / or instruments may depend on the scale of the process and the chemical properties of the process fluid, among other design considerations. Sensor types may include one or more of contact sensors, non-contact sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, 3D imagers, fiber optic cables, cameras, thermal imagers, thermometers, pressure sensors, radiation detectors, LIDAR, and microphones, among others. In some embodiments, one or more infrared (IR) cameras, with or without radiation shielding, may be used in the system.

[0051] Some embodiments may include one or more imaging sensors. The one or more imaging sensors may include one or more of 3D imaging, 2D distance sensors, cameras (such as IR cameras or radiation-shielded IR cameras in some embodiments), thermal imagers, and radiation detectors, among others. The one or more imaging sensors may be used to provide inspection and monitoring capabilities to a remote operator. Signals from the one or more imaging sensors may be displayed in real time, recorded for later review, and / or recorded for operational documentation. Any one or more cameras may be of a fixed or pan-tilt-zoom type. An operator may select and manage the desired camera view for operation, controlling the cameras with associated control features such as pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ), focus, and lights. In one embodiment, appropriate visual coverage for operation may be enabled by the camera system through appropriate camera coverage, determined by the quantity and location of the cameras.

[0052] In some embodiments, sensors are added solely to track material properties throughout the process. In some embodiments, sensor data is used to control the operation of the system. Some embodiments may utilize sensor fusion algorithms to analyze data obtained from one or more sensors of one or more different types. In some embodiments, sensor data is automatically analyzed for processes requiring little or no input from a human operator, automatically effecting changes in the control system. In some embodiments, sensor data and / or analysis is displayed for a human operator to make manual adjustments.

[0053] In some embodiments, appropriate sensors may be used to monitor process conditions at one or more critical locations for early identification of problems, including one or more of process flow, pressure, and temperature, as well as activity levels (dose) at one or more critical locations. Control

[0054] In some embodiments, the control system may capture, store, and trend critical process and facility data, including, but not limited to, activity levels, temperatures, pressures, and flow rates. In some embodiments, the data may be processed on-site in near real-time. In some embodiments, the data and / or processed information may be transmitted to a remote location for long-term storage. In some embodiments, the control system may have a Human Machine Interface (HMI) to control associated systems and processes.

[0055] General Terms and Interpretation Any method set forth in the claims or specification should not be construed as requiring that the steps be performed in a particular order unless expressly stated otherwise, nor should the method be construed as providing instructions for performing the recited steps in any order, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0056] Certain features that are described in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, while features may be described above in a particular combination and initially claimed as such, one or more features from the claimed combination can be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or a variation of the subcombination.

[0057] The example configurations described within this document do not represent all examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term "example" should be interpreted as meaning "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and not as "preferred" or "advantageous over other examples."

[0058] Articles such as "the," "a," and "an" can imply singular or plural. Also, when the word "or" is used without the preceding "either" (or other similar language indicating that "or" clearly means exclusive—e.g., only one of x or y), it should be interpreted as inclusive (e.g., "x or y" means either x or y, or both).

[0059] The term "and / or" should also be construed as inclusive (e.g., "x and / or y" means one or both of x or y). In situations where "and / or" or "or" is used as a joinder for a group of more than two items, the group should be construed as including only one item, all items together, or any combination or number of items.

[0060] The phrase "based on" should be construed to refer to an open-ended set of conditions unless expressly stated otherwise (e.g., based only on given conditions). For example, a step described as being based on given conditions may be based on the listed conditions and one or more unlisted conditions.

[0061] The terms have, having, include, and including should be construed as synonyms for the terms comprise and comprising. Use of these terms should also be understood as disclosing and providing support for narrower alternative implementations where these terms are replaced by "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of."

[0062] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, and the like used in the specification (except in the claims) are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "approximately." At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter described in the specification or claims that is modified by the term "approximately" should be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0063] All disclosed ranges are understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any subranges or any and all individual values ​​encompassed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values ​​from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 10, inclusive, i.e., all subranges beginning with a minimum of 1 or greater and ending with a maximum of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, etc.) or any value between 1 and 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, etc.), which values ​​may be expressed singly or as a minimum value (e.g., 5.8 or greater) or a maximum value (e.g., 9.9994 or less).

[0064] All disclosed numerical values ​​are understood to be variable from 0-100% in either direction, thereby providing support for claims reciting such values ​​(either singly or at a minimum or maximum—e.g., greater than or equal to <value> and less than or equal to <value>) or any range or subrange that may be formed by such values. For example, the recited numerical value of 8 should be understood to vary from 0 to 16 (100% in either direction), providing support for claims reciting the range itself (e.g., 0-16), any subrange within the range (e.g., 2-12.5), or any individual value within the individually recited range (e.g., 15.2), as a minimum value (e.g., at least 4.3), or as a maximum value (e.g., less than or equal to 12.4).

[0065] While understanding that terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meanings as determined by reference to related entries in widely used general and / or relevant technical dictionaries, meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, etc., and that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.), the following exceptions are recognized: (a) if a term is used in a manner broader than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given an additional broad meaning in addition to its ordinary and customary meaning; or (b) if a term is expressly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase "as used in this document, shall mean," or similar language (e.g., "this term means," "this term is defined as," "for purposes of this disclosure, this term shall mean," etc.). Reference to specific examples, use of "ie," use of the word "invention," etc. is not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise limit the scope of the recited claim terms. Except in circumstances where exception (b) applies, nothing contained within this document should be construed as a disclaimer or denial of the scope of the claim.

[0066] The subject matter recited in the claims is not, and should not be construed as, identical to any implementation, feature, or combination of features described or illustrated in this document, even if only a single implementation of that feature or combination of features is illustrated and described.

[0067] The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An ion exchange vessel for handling contaminated fluids, comprising: a shell comprising an inner shell wall and an outer shell wall forming a chamber therebetween; one or more fill ports configured to dispense at least one of an ion exchange medium or a sorbent into the chamber; three or more inlet headers operably configured within the chamber, each inlet header comprising one or more inlet nozzles, the one or more inlet nozzles operably configured to uniformly distribute the contaminated fluid to at least one of the ion exchange media or sorbent; two or more outlet headers operably configured within the chamber, each outlet header comprising one or more outlet nozzles configured to remove fluid from the chamber, the two or more outlet headers and the three or more inlet headers being evenly distributed and alternating along a length of the ion exchange vessel; and an outlet configured to at least one of discharge hydrogen from the chamber or dissipate heat; a dewatering system configured to transport excess water from the chamber; an inner discharge channel in the inner shell wall; an ion exchange vessel comprising: a shield constructed of at least one of lead metal, steel, or depleted uranium, said shield comprising one or more lifting lugs and one or more shield discharge inlets.

2. 10. The ion exchange vessel of claim 1, wherein the ion exchange vessel and the shield are cylindrical in shape.

3. The ion exchange vessel of claim 1 , wherein the shield is configured to fit over the ion exchange vessel.

4. 4. The ion exchange vessel of claim 3, wherein an outlet discharge channel is formed between said shield and said shell.

5. 10. The ion exchange vessel of claim 1, wherein the one or more shell discharge inlets correlate with the one or more shield discharge inlets.

6. The ion exchange vessel of claim 1 , wherein the ion exchange vessel is contained within a mobile processing skid.

7. 1. An ion exchange system for treating contaminated fluids, comprising: one or more shields, each constructed of at least one of lead metal, steel, or depleted uranium, each of the one or more shields including one or more lifting lugs and one or more shield discharge inlets; and one or more ion exchange vessels, each of the one or more ion exchange vessels comprising: a shell comprising an inner shell wall and an outer shell wall forming a chamber therebetween; one or more fill ports configured to dispense at least one of an ion exchange medium or a sorbent into the chamber; three or more inlet headers operably configured within the chamber, each inlet header comprising one or more inlet nozzles, the one or more inlet nozzles operably configured to uniformly distribute the contaminated fluid to at least one of the ion exchange media or sorbent; two or more outlet headers operably configured within the chamber, each outlet header comprising one or more outlet nozzles configured to remove fluid from the chamber, the two or more outlet headers and the three or more inlet headers being evenly distributed and alternating along a vertical axis of the one or more ion exchange vessels; an outlet configured to at least one of discharge hydrogen from the chamber or dissipate heat; a dewatering system configured to transport excess water from the chamber; an inner discharge channel in the inner shell wall.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more ion exchange vessels and the one or more shields are cylindrical in shape.

9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more shields are configured to fit over the one or more ion exchange vessels.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein an outlet discharge channel is formed between the one or more shields and the shell.

11. The system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more shell discharge inlets correlate with the one or more shield discharge inlets.

12. The system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more ion exchange vessels are contained within a mobile processing skid.

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