Integrated Ion-Exchange Column with Passive Cooling for Cesium Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient and effective systems to remove cesium and other radionuclides from bulk liquid low-level waste supernate, concentrating it into a small high-level waste fraction to reduce radiation hazards and facilitate disposal, while ensuring safety and operational simplicity, especially in the absence of active safety systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular cesium removal system incorporating ion-exchange column assemblies with integral shielding, crystalline silico-titanate resin, and passive cooling, which can be used and stored as a single unit, eliminating the need for sluicing and minimizing radiation exposure, and featuring pre-filters to protect columns from fouling and optimize resin utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ion-exchange columns are used for cesium removal, then cesium can be removed from liquid waste, but the system requires active safety systems and complex handling procedures (sluicing)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ion-exchange column with integral shielding and cooling systems into a single integrated unit. The shielding is built directly into the column structure, and the cooling system is incorporated within the column housing, eliminating the need for separate safety systems and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion-exchange column is designed with passive cooling capabilities and integral shielding that automatically protect the system without requiring active safety interventions. The column can be safely stored and handled without requiring sluicing or other complex handling procedures, as the design inherently manages radiation and thermal concerns.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid waste is processed to remove radionuclides, then radiation levels can be reduced for disposal, but the processing system becomes complex requiring multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single ion-exchange column unit: the cesium removal function, radiation shielding, and passive cooling are all combined in one component. This reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to effectively reduce radiation levels in processed waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion-exchange column serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it removes cesium from waste, provides radiation shielding during operation and storage, and incorporates passive cooling to manage thermal loads. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Measurement precision
If ion-exchange resin is used to concentrate cesium, then decontamination factor can reach 1000, but the resin requires protection from fouling and optimal utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-filters upstream of the ion-exchange column to remove particulates and protect the resin from fouling before the waste stream contacts the resin. This preliminary protection ensures the resin maintains its high decontamination factor over extended operational periods without requiring frequent replacement or regeneration.
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 system effectively reduces radiation levels, allowing for the disposal of liquid waste as low-level waste, achieving a decontamination factor of 1000 and capable of processing large volumes of waste with minimal personnel exposure and operational complexity, while ensuring safe storage and handling of high-level waste.
Implementation Method 1
an ion-exchange resin located in the pressure vessel
Implementation Method 2
inherent cooling
Implementation Method 3
integral shielding
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to systems, apparatus and methods for the removal of cesium and other radionuclides from liquid waste contained in a high level waste tank. The invention includes transporting a stream of the liquid waste from the high level waste tank to one or more ion-exchange column assemblies to remove the cesium therefrom using a sorbent, such as, crystalline silico-titanate. The ion-exchange column assemblies include an ion-exchange column and an integrated shield. The column is concentrically positioned within the shield and an air gap is present between the column and the shield to provide passive cooling.