METHODS FOR RECYCLING METALS FROM THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for recycling metals from components of the nuclear industry. According to several schemes, this method comprises a step of removing irradiated metals containing radioactive nuclides from a metal component, resulting in a irradiated solution containing radioactive nuclides, and separating the radioactive nuclides from the irradiated solution. The metal removal may be performed mechanically, chemically, and / or electrochemically. The radioactive nuclides may be separated using techniques such as ion exchange, solvent extraction, precipitation, concurrent precipitation, and / or electrochemical deposition. Waste material generated during the recycling process may be reused in subsequent recycling steps. This method allows for the recycling of valuable metals from components of the nuclear industry while minimizing radioactive waste and enabling the beneficial reuse of recovered radioactive nuclides.

Description

Methods for Recycling Metals from the Nuclear IndustryTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This relates to methods for recycling metals from the nuclear industry. Nuclear metals recycling can positively impact energy transition and combat climate change.BACKGROUND

[0002] The nuclear industry uses large quantities of metals in the construction and operation of nuclear power plants and supporting infrastructure. These metals, which can include steel, nickel, aluminum, and others, are subject to various forms of radioactive contamination during their service life. This contamination can be in the form of surface contamination, where radionuclides adhere to or are incorporated into the surface oxide layer of the metal, or activation, where the metal itself becomes radioactive due to exposure to neutron flux.

[0003] Historically, when these contaminated metals reach the end of their useful life, they have been disposed of as radioactive waste. This typically involves size reduction of the metal components, packaging, and burial at a licensed radioactive waste disposal site. However, this approach has several drawbacks. It permanently consumes valuable disposal site space, it represents a loss of potentially useful material resources, and it contributes to the overall environmental impact of the nuclear industry.

[0004] In some cases, surface decontamination techniques have been employed in an attempt to clean the metal surfaces and allow the metal to be released for unrestricted reuse or recycling. However, these techniques often generate significant volumes of secondary radioactive waste. The cost of managing this secondary waste often outweighs the benefits of recovering the decontaminated metal, making direct disposal the more economically favorable option.

[0005] The production of metals, particularly steel, is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The steel industry alone is responsible for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The production of other metals used in the nuclear industry, such as nickel and aluminum, also carries a substantial carbon footprint. Developing domestic recycling capabilities for these metals will help mitigate the environmental impact of the nuclear industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.

[0006] Furthermore, many of the metals used in the nuclear industry, such as nickel and cobalt, have strategic importance and are subject to potential supply disruptions. Developing the ability to recycle these metals domestically could enhance the resilience of the nuclear industry and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

[0007] Finally, the growth of technologies such as electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage is driving increased demand for metals like nickel and lead. Recycling these metals from the nuclear industry could help meet this growing demand without the need for expanded mining operations and their associated environmental impacts.

[0008] Although some limited efforts have been made to recycle metals from the nuclear industry, the historical approach has been disposal as radioactive waste or, in some cases, limited surface decontamination. These approaches are not sustainable in the long term, as they consume limited waste disposal resources, result in the loss of potentially valuable materials, and generate significant secondary waste streams. It would be beneficial to develop a more effective, holistic approaches to recycling metals from the nuclear industry that can support environmental suslainabilily, strategic resource independence, and the responsible growth of clean energy technologies.GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0009] This describes methods of recycling metals from the nuclear industry that address the limitations of current practices and provide a more sustainable, environmentally responsible approach. The methods allow the recovery of valuable metals from contaminated nuclear industry components while minimizing the generation of secondary radioactive waste. They also provide for the beneficial reuse of the recovered metals and the selective recovery of useful radionuclides.

[0010] In some embodiments, the methods involve the selective removal of contaminated metal from the surface of a component, such as by mechanical abrasion, chemical dissolution, or electrochemical techniques. This allows the bulk of the metal to be recovered for reuse while concentrating the contamination in a smaller volume of material for more efficient management.

[0011] In some embodiments, the methods involve the bulk dissolution of an entire metal component. This can be useful for components with activation or contamination that penetrates beyond the surface. The resulting solution is then treated to separate the valuable metals from the contaminants.

[0012] In some embodiments, the methods use of waste streams from one processing step as input for another. For example, a chemical decontamination solution used to treat one component might then be used as a dissolution medium for another. As another example, solid particles recovered from one metal component can be used as blasting media to remove contaminated metal from another component. The reuse of various components in the process reduces the overall generation of secondary waste and improves the efficiency of the process.

[0013] In some embodiments, the methods also provide for the selective recovery of useful radionuclides from the waste streams. Techniques such as ion exchange, solvent extraction, precipitation, and electrochemical methods can be used to concentrate and isolate specific radionuclides that have value for medical, industrial, or research applications.

[0014] In some embodiments, the methods also allow the beneficial reuse of recovered materials in the nuclear industry. For example, contaminated metals from one component might be used to manufacture containers or shielding for the storage and disposal of other radioactive wastes.

[0015] The net effect of these various aspects is a comprehensive, integrated approach to metal recycling in the nuclear industry. By selectively removing contamination, recycling secondary waste streams, recovering useful byproducts, and enabling beneficial reuse of materials, the methods provide a pathway to more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

[0016] It should be appreciated that the methods are not limited to any specific metal or component type. They can be adapted to the wide variety of metals and contamination scenarios encountered in the nuclear industry, from lightly surface- contaminated stainless steel to deeply activated reactor components.

[0017] The general description is provided to give a general introduction to the described subject matter as well as a synopsis of some of the technological improvements and / or advantages it provides. The general description and background are not intended to identify essential aspects of the described subject matter, nor should they be used to constrict or limit the scope of the claims. For example, the scope of the claims should not be limited based on whether the recited subject matter includes any or all aspects noted in the general description and / or addresses any of the issues noted in the background.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Decontamination of metallic substrates in the nuclear industry can be achieved using mechanical and / or chemical techniques. Mechanical methods include media blasting using agents such as CO2pellets, boron carbide grit, liquid nitrogen, and water.

[0019] Chemical decontamination can include the sequential application of reagents ranging from mildly to highly corrosive reagents, including acids (e.g., HC1, HN03, H2S04, H3P04, HBF4, HCOOH, H2C204), bases (e.g., NaOH, Ca(0H)2), and oxidizing agents (e.g., H2O2, KMnO4). The choice of reagents and conditions (e.g., concentration, temperature, pressure, physical state) is tailored to the specific substrate and the nature and concentration of the radionuclide contamination. The goal is to effect minimal dissolution of the base metal while maximizing radionuclide removal and transport.

[0020] Reagents can be applied in gaseous, liquid, or solid form (e.g., coatings, gels). Multiple techniques are often applied in sequence to enhance decontamination efficiency while preserving substrate integrity and simplifying subsequent waste treatment to minimize secondary waste. When aqueous reagents are reused, the waste treatment step can include sequestering the removed radionuclides on highly selective ion exchange resins for subsequent harvesting and reuse in radio-medical, agricultural, and industrial applications.

[0021] After radionuclide removal, the spent liquids can undergo coprccipitation to remove dissolved metals and any residual radionuclides. This can involve a broad spectrum of feed materials to ensure the presence of sufficient aluminum, iron, and copper in the resultant solutions, allowing for bulk co-precipitation of easily dewaterable flocs. In some cases, ion exchangers can be added to sequester radionuclides in a single co-precipitation step. The co-precipitated solids, now largely free of radionuclides, can be encapsulated in a minimal volume of solid matrix and disposed of as low-level radioactive waste. The aqueous fraction, now cleansed of radionuclides and dissolved metals, can be recycled back to the initial decontamination step to minimize radioactive liquid effluents and / or can be discharged to the environment provided activity levels are low enough.

[0022] The recycled metals can be repurposed through various processes such as melting, reforming, and 3D printing to create new products. This approachsignificantly reduces the need for virgin metal derived from ore in future nuclear construction projects.

[0023] The described methods integrate advanced metallurgical and chemical techniques into a single, comprehensive process for the economical and beneficial recycling of metals used in the nuclear industry. This presents a unique opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a secure, clean energy future. Some of the techniques employed include, but are not limited to:• Chemical and selective dissolution of individual components in alloys• Electrochemical dissolution• Highly selective ion exchange• Solvent extraction processes• Flocculation and coprecipitation• Micro, nano, and ultrafiltration (seeded with ion exchange media)• Pyrolysis of organic compounds• Metal melting• 3D printing of metal products• Oxidation and selective oxidationExamples

[0024] The following examples are provided to further illustrate the disclosed subject matter. They should not be used to constrict or limit the scope of the claims in any way.Example 1 — Metal Composites

[0025] This example describes processing metal composites such as boron carbide impregnated aluminum. This material is often used as a neutron poison in spent fuel storage. For example, it may be used in or with fuel racks in both spent fuel pools and dry cask storage.

[0026] The process includes dissolving the metal composite in a mineral acid bath such as hydrochloric acid (HC1) or nitric acid (HN03). This is done by placing the spent fuel rack in a corrosion-resistant tank with the mineral acid. The acid dissolves the aluminum while leaving solid boron carbide particles. Once the aluminum has fullydissolved, the boron carbide particles are separated from the dissolved aluminum solution.Example 2 — Media Blasting with Boron Carbide Grit[0027 J This example describes using the boron carbide grit recovered in Example 1 for media blasting the inner surface of a spent fuel transport cask. The inner surface of the cask is slightly activated due to neutron exposure during its service life with the activation typically limited to a few millimeters of depth from the inner surface.

[0028] The boron carbide grit is loaded into a media blasting apparatus. The inner surface of the spent fuel transport cask is subjected to grit blasting using the recycled boron carbide. This process effectively removes the activated layer from the inner surface of the cask.

[0029] The material removed by the grit blasting process, which includes the activated metal particles and used boron carbide grit, is collected using appropriate containment and filtration systems.

[0030] Following the grit blasting operation, the inner surface of the transport cask is evaluated for residual radioactivity. If necessary, the blasting process is repeated to ensure thorough decontamination.

[0031] The decontaminated transport cask can now be released for reuse, repurposing, or further recycling processes such as metal melting. The collected waste material from the blasting process is properly packaged for disposal as low- level radioactive waste.

[0032] This example demonstrates how the product of one decontamination process can be used in another decontamination process. The boron carbide, initially a component of one nuclear industry component (spent fuel racks), is recovered and repurposed for the decontamination of another nuclear industry component (transport casks). This approach minimizes waste, reduces the need for new materials, and exemplifies the holistic recycling process described in this document.Example 3 — Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) Decontamination

[0033] This example describes the decontamination process for a 150-ton Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). The process is used to recycle approximately 140 tons of metal, including about 14 tons of nickel, while minimizing radioactive waste metal to only about 10 tons (6% of the initial mass).

[0034] The decontamination process for the primary side of the steam generator is as follows. The primary side of the steam generator is in direct contact with the reactor and thus more heavily contaminated. The process involves recirculating fluids inside the steam generator's primary side tubing in the following sequence.

[0035] The first step is to circulate water through the primary side tubing and filter the water with metal filters (e.g., dead-end sintered metal filters), carbon beds, and / or ion exchange media including ion-selective media. This step removes loose contamination and solids and otherwise prepares the tubing for further treatment.

[0036] The next step is to treat the tubing with a room temperature organic acid solution. An organic acid, such as formic acid (HCOOH, a reducing acid), is added to water at room temperature and circulated through the primary side tubing. The solution is filtered as in the initial step. The next step is to repeat the organic acid treatment with a heated solution (the organic solution can be heated to any suitable temperature from 90-250F).

[0037] The next step is to add an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to the solution and repeat the treatment process including both a hot (the solution is heated) and cold cycle (the solution is at around ambient temperature).

[0038] The next step is to add hydrogen peroxide and destroy any remaining organic acid, thereby yielding carbon dioxide and water and destroying any metal complexes formed during the process. The resulting water is then decontaminated by passing it through the carbon and ion-sclcctivc media.

[0039] These oxidative and reductive dissolution steps remove the bulk of the dominant radionuclides (Co-60, Sr-90, Ni-63, and Cs-137) from the oxide film, significantly reducing the radiation field of the steam generator. The removed radionuclides are entrained on the ion-selective media for subsequent harvesting and beneficial reuse.

[0040] Following these steps, further decontamination is performed to address radionuclide contamination associated with the high nickel alloy tubes. This contamination is removed by circulating a highly corrosive mineral acid, such as tetrafluoroboric acid (HBF4), through the primary side tubing. The process begins with cold recirculation, then gradually increases the temperature up to 80°C. Dissolved radionuclides (Co-60, Ni-63, Cs-137, Sr-90) arc sequentially removed using ion- selective media. This step is then repeated with the addition of permanganic acid (HMnO4) or a permanganate salt (e.g, KMnO4, NaMnO4, etc.) as an oxidizing agent to themineral acid solution. These steps are repeated until the decontaminant solution no longer shows an increase in radioactivity thereby indicating that the primary side contamination has been effectively removed.

[0041] The secondary side of the steam generator is decontaminated as follows. An oxalic acid (H2C2O4) solution is circulated through the secondary side of the steam generator. The process begins with a hot cycle, followed by a cold cycle. The concentration of oxalic acid is gradually increased until no additional radionuclide contamination is observed in the solution.

[0042] The contaminated oxalic acid solution is combined with the spent HBF4from the primary side decontamination. This combination regenerates the acid and precipitates metal oxalates with associated radionuclides. The precipitates are then calcined for disposal as minimal volume metal oxides and radionuclides.

[0043] After the decontamination processes, the steam generator can be safely size- reduced. The carbon steel shell is given a final surface preparation using grit blasting before release. The high nickel content tubes undergo a final decontamination step in an immersion bath of HBF4. The decontamination is augmented by passing an electric current through the component into the bath, effectively dissolving the surface of the component (electrodissolution). The decontaminated, cleaned high nickel alloy can be released for recycling.

[0044] The spent acid solution is combined with the aluminum-rich acid solution from Example 1. The resulting solution is decontaminated by coprccipitation of aluminum flocs (fluoride and hydroxide). A final cleansing step is performed by adding calcium hydroxide to remove residual metals as the hydroxides. The resultant precipitated solids containing metals and radionuclides are encapsulated in cement as low-level radioactive waste (Class A).

[0045] The reactor vessel can be decontaminated using the process described below in Example 4.Example 4 — Activated Reactor Vessels and Components

[0046] Reactor vessels and other components having activated metals can be decontaminated as follows. Unlike surface-contaminated components, reactor vessels have bulk-activated regions, albeit typically comprising only a small fraction of the total metal mass. The activated region, while only a minimal fraction of the bulk metal, is contaminated throughout its volume rather than just on the surface. To address this,a complete dissolution of the activated region is achieved using an electrodissolution (or electrodeplating) step.

[0047] The activated component is immersed in an electrolyte bath. An electric current is then passed through the component, which acts as the anode, causing it to begin dissolving into the solution. This clcctrodissolution process allows for the selective dissolution of the activated region, minimizing the amount of non-activated metal that enters the solution.

[0048] As the activated metal dissolves, elements such as cobalt and nickel, which are typically present in lower fractions, enter the solution. These dissolved radioactive elements, primarily Co-60 and Ni-63, can then be selectively redeposited through electroplating. The electroplating step can be performed either onto designated segments of the activated metal itself or onto new cathodes introduced into the system.

[0049] The selective electroplating of Co-60 and Ni-63 serves a dual purpose. First, it separates these radioactive isotopes from the bulk of the dissolved metal, allowing for easier handling and processing of the remaining solution. Second, it concentrates these isotopes for potential beneficial reuse in various applications. For example, the recovered Co-60 can be utilized in radio-medical applications, such as cancer treatments, or in industrial applications like the irradiation of food for preservation. Ni-63, with its long half-life, can be used in nuclear batteries and other specialized industrial uses.

[0050] The remaining solution, now largely depleted of radioactive cobalt and nickel, undergoes further processing similar to that described for the steam generator decontamination. This includes precipitation of remaining metals and radionuclides, filtration, and appropriate disposal or recycling of the resulting materials.

[0051] This approach to treating activated reactor vessel components demonstrates the versatility of the described methods. By employing electrodissolution and selective electroplating, it's possible to not only decontaminate these materials but also to recover valuable radioactive isotopes for beneficial use. This process minimizes waste while maximizing the recovery and potential reuse of both stable and radioactive materials.

[0052] The combination of techniques used for decontaminating surface- contaminated components (lilce steam generators) and bulk-activated components (like reactor vessel parts) showcases the comprehensive nature of the metal recyclingmethod. It addresses the varied challenges presented by different types of nuclear industry components, offering a holistic approach to nuclear metal recycling that minimizes waste, recovers valuable materials, and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with new metal production.Illustrative Embodiments

[0053] The following is a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Each embodiment may include one or more of the various features, characteristics, or advantages of the disclosed subject matter. The embodiments are intended to illustrate a few aspects of the disclosed subject matter and should not be considered a comprehensive or exhaustive description of all possible embodiments.

[0054] Pl. A method of recycling metals from nuclear industry components, the method comprising any combination of one or more of the following: removing metal contaminated with radionuclides from a metal component from the nuclear industry resulting in a contaminated solution including the radionuclides; and separating the radionuclides from the contaminated solution.

[0055] P2. The method of Pl wherein the method produces a waste material, the method comprising using the waste material in a subsequent step in the method.

[0056] P3. The method of any one of P1-P2 wherein the metal component is a first metal component, the method comprising reusing at least a portion of the contaminated solution to remove metal contaminated with radionuclides from a second metal component.

[0057] P4. The method of any one of P1-P3 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides comprises removing a layer of contaminated metal from a surface of the metal component.

[0058] P5. The method of any one of P1-P4 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides comprises dissolving the entire metal component.

[0059] P6. The method of any one of P1-P5 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides comprises mechanical removal, chemical removal, and / or electrochemical removal.

[0060] P7. The method of any one of P1-P6 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides comprises blasting it with solid, gaseous, or liquid media.

[0061] P8. The method of any one of P1-P7 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides comprises applying an acid, base, oxidizing agent, and / or reducing agent to the metal component.

[0062] P9. The method of P8 comprising applying HC1, HN03, H2SO4, H3PO4, HBF4,HCOOH, H2C2O4, H2O2, KMnO4, NaOH, and Ca(OH)2to the metal component to remove the metal contaminated with radionuclides.

[0063] P10. The method of any one of P1-P9 wherein separating the radionuclides from the contaminated solution comprises ion exchange, solvent extraction, precipitation, coprecipitation, and / or electrochemical deposition.

[0064] Pll. A method of recycling metals from nuclear industry components, the method comprising any combination of one or more of the following: removing at least a portion of a first metal component contaminated with radionuclides from the nuclear industry to produce a first waste material; and removing at least a portion of a second metal component contaminated with radionuclides from the nuclear industry with the first waste material, the first metal component and the second metal component being different types of components.

[0065] P12. The method of Pll wherein removing at least a portion of the first metal component comprises dissolving at least a portion of the first metal component.

[0066] P13. The method of any one of P11-P12 wherein the first waste material includes solid particles removed from the first metal component.

[0067] P14. The method of any one of P11-P13 wherein the first metal component and / or the second metal component include a spent fuel rack, spent fuel transport cask, steam generator, reactor vessel, and / or activated reactor components.

[0068] P15. The method of any one of P11-P14 wherein the first waste material comprises a chemical solution that dissolves at least a portion of the second metal component.

[0069] P16. The method of any one of P11-P15 comprising separating radionuclides from a solution produced by removing at least a portion of the second metal component.

[0070] P17. The method of any one of P11-P16 wherein the first metal component comprises aluminum and the second metal component comprises steel.

[0071] P18. A method of recycling metals from nuclear industry components, the method comprising any combination of one or more of the following: removing metal contaminated with radionuclides from an interior surface of metal tubing from the nuclear industry by circulating a series of at least two decontamination solutions through the metal tubing to form at least one spent decontamination solution; and separating radionuclides from the spent decontamination solution.

[0072] P19. The method of P18 wherein at least one of the at least two decontamination solutions dissolves at least a portion of the interior surface of the metal tubing contaminated.

[0073] P20. The method of any one of P18 -P19 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides includes applying an electric current to the metal tubing.

[0074] P21. The method of any one of P18-P20 wherein the series of at least two decontamination solutions comprises a water wash, an organic acid solution, an oxidizing agent solution, reducing agent solution, and / or a mineral acid solution.

[0075] P22. The method of any one of P18-P21 wherein separating radionuclides from the spent decontamination solution comprises passing the spent decontamination solution through carbon beds and / or ion exchange media or a series of solvent extraction units.

[0076] P23. The method of any one of P18-P22 wherein the metal tubing is part of a steam generator or reactor vessel.

[0077] P24. The method of any one of P18-P23 further comprising size-reducing the metal tubing after removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides.General Terminology and Interpretative Conventions

[0078] Articles such as “the,” “a,” and “an” shall be interpreted as connoting the singular or plural. Also, the word “or” when used without a preceding “either” (or other similar language indicating that “or” is unequivocally meant to be exclusive - e.g., only one of x or y, etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x or y” means one or both x or y).

[0079] The term “and / or” shall also be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., “x and / or y” means one or both x or y). In situations where “and / or” or “or” arc used as a conjunction for a group of three or more items, the group shall be interpreted toinclude one item alone, all the items together, or any combination or number of the items.

[0080] The phrase “based on” shall be interpreted to refer to an open set of conditions unless unequivocally stated otherwise (e.g., based on only a given condition). For example, a step described as being based on a given condition can be based on the recited condition and one or more unrecited conditions.

[0081] The term “can,” when used as an auxiliary verb, shall refer to an optional or noncompulsory capability of the described subject matter that is not required to be present in any given embodiment.

[0082] The terms have, having, contain, containing, include, including, and characterized by shall be interpreted to be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising — i.e., the terms are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional unrecited subject matter. The use of these terms shall also be understood as disclosing and providing support for narrower alternative embodiments where these terms are replaced by “consisting of,” “consisting of the recited subject matter plus impurities and / or trace amounts of other materials,” or “consisting essentially of.”

[0083] Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0084] Many aspects or features are described as being optional, e.g. through the use of the term “can” or otherwise. For the sake of brevity and legibility, this document does not explicitly recite each combination and / or permutation that may be obtained by choosing from the set of optional aspects or features. However, this document is to be interpreted as explicitly disclosing all such combinations and / or permutations. For example, something described as having three optional aspects may be embodied in seven different ways, namely with only one of the three aspects, with any two of the three aspects, or with all three of the aspects.

[0085] Any methods described in this document should not be interpreted to require the steps to be performed in a specific order unless expressly stated otherwiseor doing so is literally impossible. The methods should also be interpreted to provide support to perform the recited steps in any sequence unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0086] The example configurations described in this document do not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that arc within the scope of the claims. The term “example” shall be interpreted to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.”

[0087] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, or the like, used in the specification (other than 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 recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and / or by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0088] All disclosed ranges arc to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any subranges or any individual values subsumed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any subranges or individual values that are between and / or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth), which values can be expressed alone or as a minimum value (e.g., at least 5.8) or a maximum value (e.g., no more than 9.9994).

[0089] All disclosed numerical values are to be understood as being variable from 0-100% in either direction and thus provide support for claims that recite such values (either alone or as a minimum or a maximum - e.g., at least <value> or no more than <value>) or any ranges or subranges that can be formed by such values. For example, a stated numerical value of 8 should be understood to vary from 0 to 16 (100% in either direction) and provide support for claims that recite the range itself (e.g., 0 to 16), any subrange within the range (e.g., 2 to 12.5) or any individual value within that range expressed individually (e.g., 15.2), as a minimum value (e.g., at least 4.3), or as a maximum value (e.g., no more than 12.4).

[0090] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and / or relevant technical dictionaries, commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding 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.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that is more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly 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 the purposes of this disclosure this term shall mean,” etc.).References to specific examples, use of “i.e.,” use of the word “invention,” etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained in this document should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.

[0091] None of the limitations in the claims shall be interpreted as invoking 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly recited in the claim.

[0092] Unless explicitly stated otherwise or otherwise apparent from context, terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “displaying,” or the like, refer to the action and processes of an electronic computing device including a processor and memory.

[0093] The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted as coextensive with any embodiment, feature, or combination of features described or illustrated in this document. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the feature or combination of features is illustrated and described.Composition Related Terminology and Interpretative Conventions

[0094] Values expressed as a percentage, parts of, or a ratio are by weight unless expressly staled otherwise.

[0095] The description of a group or class of materials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose shall be understood as disclosing that a single member of the group orclass or a mixture of any two or more members of the group or class are equally suitable or preferred.

[0096] The description of constituents in chemical terms refers to the constituents: (a) at the time of addition to any combination specified in the description and / or (b) generated in situ by chemical reactions with other constituents. The description of the constituents does not preclude other chemical interactions among the constituents of a mixture once mixed unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0097] The description of materials in ionic form additionally implies the presence of sufficient counter ions to produce electrical neutrality for the composition.Incorporation by Reference

[0098] The entire content of each document listed below is incorporated by reference into this document (the documents below are collectively referred to as the “incorporated documents”). If the same term is used in both this document and one or more of the incorporated documents, then it should be interpreted to have the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources unless the term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning in this document. If there is an inconsistency between any incorporated document and this document, then this document shall govern. The incorporated subject matter should not be used to limit or narrow the scope of the explicitly recited or depicted subject matter.Priority patent documents incorporated by reference:- U.S. Prov. App. No. 63 / 519,951, titled “Methods for Recycling Metals from the Nuclear Industry,” filed on 16 Aug 2023.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of recycling metals from nuclear industry components, the method comprising: removing metal contaminated with radionuclides from a metal component from the nuclear industry resulting in a contaminated solution including the radionuclides; and separating the radionuclides from the contaminated solution.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the method produces a waste material, the method comprising using the waste material in a subsequent step in the method.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the metal component is a first metal component, the method comprising reusing at least a portion of the contaminated solution to remove metal contaminated with radionuclides from a second metal component.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides comprises removing a layer of contaminated metal from a surface of the metal component.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides comprises dissolving the entire metal component.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides comprises mechanical removal, chemical removal, and / or electrochemical removal.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides comprises blasting it with solid, gaseous, or liquid media.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides comprises applying an acid, base, oxidizing agent, and / or reducing agent to the metal component.

9. The method of claim 8 comprising applying HC1, HNO3, H2SO4, H3PO4, HBF4, HCOOH, H2C2O4, H2O2, KMnO4, NaOH, and Ca(OH)2to the metal component to remove the metal contaminated with radionuclides.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein separating the radionuclides from the contaminated solution comprises ion exchange, precipitation, solvent extraction, coprecipitation, and / or electrochemical deposition.

11. A method of recycling metals from nuclear industry components, the method comprising: removing at least a portion of a first metal component contaminated with radionuclides from the nuclear industry to produce a first waste material; and removing at least a portion of a second metal component contaminated with radionuclides from the nuclear industry with the first waste material, the first metal component and the second metal component being different types of components.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein removing at least a portion of the first metal component comprises dissolving at least a portion of the first metal component.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the first waste material includes solid particles removed from the first metal component.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the first metal component and / or the second metal component include a spent fuel rack, spent fuel transport cask, steam generator, reactor vessel, and / or activated reactor components.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the first waste material comprises a chemical solution that dissolves at least a portion of the second metal component.

16. The method of claim 11 comprising separating radionuclides from a solution produced by removing at least a portion of the second metal component.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein the first metal component comprises aluminum and the second metal component comprises steel.

18. A method of recycling metals from nuclear industry components, the method comprising: removing metal contaminated with radionuclides from an interior surface of metal tubing from the nuclear industry by circulating a series of at least two decontamination solutions through the metal tubing to form at least one spent decontamination solution; andseparating radionuclides from the spent decontamination solution.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein at least one of the at least two decontamination solutions dissolves at least a portion of the interior surface of the metal tubing contaminated.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides includes applying an electric current to the metal tubing.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein the series of at least two decontamination solutions comprises a water wash, an organic acid solution, an oxidizing agent solution, reducing agent solution, and / or a mineral acid solution.

22. The method of claim 18 wherein separating radionuclides from the spent decontamination solution comprises passing the spent decontamination solution through carbon beds and / or ion exchange media.

23. The method of claim 18 wherein the metal tubing is part of a steam generator or reactor vessel.

24. The method of claim 18 further comprising size-reducing the metal tubing after removing the metal contaminated with radionuclides.