AMP Adsorbent for Cs-137 Extraction from Nuclear Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for Mo-99 production in nuclear fission reactors generate waste streams contaminated with Cs-137, which complicates Mo-99 extraction and storage, as Cs-137 accumulates and contributes to radiological dose and heat load, and existing technologies lack effective means for extracting Cs-137 from solutions after Mo-99 has been harvested.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP) as an adsorbent, either alone or combined with an inorganic polymeric support like aluminosilicate microspheres, to selectively remove Cs-137 from acidic solutions obtained after Mo-99 has been harvested, ensuring the Cs-137-depleted solution can be safely returned to the reactor, preventing contamination and facilitating easier waste handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional purification methods are used to harvest Mo-99, then Mo-99 can be extracted from reactor output, but Cs-137 accumulates in waste streams causing increased radiological dose and heat load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by introducing ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP) adsorbent into the waste stream to selectively remove Cs-137 from the solution. The AMP forms ion pairs with Cs+ ions, extracting them from the waste stream and concentrating them on the adsorbent particles, thereby separating the harmful Cs-137 from the bulk waste solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the chemical environment (pH, ionic strength) to optimize Cs-137 extraction. The AMP adsorbent operates effectively at specific pH ranges and ionic conditions, changing the chemical parameters of the waste stream to maximize Cs-137 removal efficiency while minimizing interference from other ions.
2Ease of operation
If Cs-137 is not removed from waste streams, then waste can be stored at geological repository, but handling and storage becomes more difficult due to heat load and radiological dose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes Cs-137 from the waste stream using AMP adsorbent, concentrating the radioactive material onto small volumes of solid adsorbent. This extraction simplifies waste handling by reducing the volume and radiotoxicity of the liquid waste, making it easier to process and store at geological repositories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery of Cs-137 from waste streams for potential reuse or centralized disposal. By extracting Cs-137 onto AMP adsorbent, the system separates the harmful component for specialized handling while the depleted waste stream can be more easily disposed of through conventional methods.
3Productivity
If Cs-137 accumulates in cycled homogeneous reactor solutions, then Mo-99 can be continuously produced, but subsequent Mo-99 extraction steps are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by removing Cs-137 from the reactor solution before Mo-99 extraction is performed. This pre-treatment prevents Cs-137 accumulation that would otherwise interfere with subsequent Mo-99 separation steps, ensuring continuous reliable production of high-purity Mo-99.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selectively extracts Cs-137 from the homogeneous reactor solution using AMP adsorbent, removing the interfering substance before Mo-99 extraction. This separation ensures that the Mo-99 extraction process operates under optimal conditions without interference from accumulated Cs-137.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process effectively reduces Cs-137 levels in waste streams by 90% or more, allowing for safer storage and easier handling, and prevents contamination of Mo-99 during subsequent reactor cycles, enhancing the efficiency and safety of Mo-99 production.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the treated acidic solution with an adsorbent comprising AMP
Implementation Method 2
ammonium molybdophosphate (NH4)3P(Mo3O10)4.3H2O (AMP) is a yellow crystalline inorganic compound that has been shown to be highly selective for Cs
Data Source
AI summary
A process for extracting Cs-137 from i) an acidic solution obtained by dissolving an irradiated solid target comprising uranium, ii) an acidic solution comprising uranium which has previously been irradiated in a nuclear reactor, or iii) an acidic solution comprising uranium which has been used as reactor fuel in a homogeneous reactor, the acidic solution i), ii) or iii) having been treated to harvest Mo-99, wherein the process comprises contacting the treated acidic solution with an adsorbent comprising ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP). In an embodiment, the AMP is combined with an organic or inorganic polymeric support, for example AMP synthesized within hollow aluminosilicate microspheres (AMP-C).