Radioactive Waste Filtration Media Reduces Disposal Costs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filter technologies for radioactive waste filtration often generate Class B, C, and greater than Class C (GTCC) waste forms, which are difficult and expensive to dispose of, and require specialized handling and facilities, due to their high activity and dose characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A high radioactivity filtration system utilizing a combination of specially selected filtration and ion exchange media, along with a structural design that prevents the formation of Class B, C, and GTCC waste forms, allowing for the production of environmentally acceptable effluent water that meets Class A waste standards, thereby reducing radioisotope levels and minimizing waste disposal challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional bag, cartridge and membrane type filters are used for filtration of radioactive waste substances, then filtration can be performed, but Class B, C and GTCC waste forms are generated which are difficult and expensive to dispose of
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the filtration media to selectively remove specific radionuclides. By adjusting media composition, pore size, and chemical affinity, the system achieves complete removal of radionuclides that would otherwise form Class B, C, or GTCC waste, while maintaining Class A waste classification for easy disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite filtration media combining multiple materials with different removal mechanisms. This includes particulate filters for solid removal, ion exchange resins for dissolved radionuclides, and activated carbon for organic compounds, achieving comprehensive waste stream treatment that prevents formation of high-level waste categories.
2Productivity
If conventional filters are used to concentrate waste, then waste removal can be achieved, but Class B, C and GTCC waste forms are generated requiring special shipping equipment and facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes radionuclides from the waste stream through selective filtration media that target specific radioactive substances. By completely removing radionuclides at the source rather than concentrating them, the system eliminates the need for special shipping equipment and facilities required for Class B, C, and GTCC waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful concentration effect of conventional filters into a benefit by using selective media that completely remove radionuclides rather than concentrating them. This transformation turns what would be harmful concentration into complete removal, simplifying disposal requirements while maintaining effective waste treatment.
3Ease of manufacture
If filtration systems generate high activity waste forms, then waste can be treated, but disposal costs increase significantly compared to Class A waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the treatment parameters to achieve complete radionuclide removal, transforming the waste stream from high-activity Class B, C, or GTCC categories to Class A waste. This parameter change in removal completeness dramatically reduces disposal costs while maintaining effective treatment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards radionuclides completely through selective filtration rather than concentrating them for later disposal. By removing radionuclides at the source and discarding them in Class A waste streams, the system avoids the high costs associated with disposing of concentrated high-activity waste requiring special facilities and shipping equipment.
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 radioisotope levels in effluent water to Class A standards, making further conventional treatment feasible and reducing the costs and complexities associated with disposing of high activity waste, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The HRF utilizes a newly designed filter employing a combination of specially selected filtration and ion exchange media
Implementation Method 2
The HRF utilizes a newly designed filter employing a combination of specially selected filtration and ion exchange media
Implementation Method 3
The HRF utilizes a newly designed filter employing a combination of specially selected filtration and ion exchange media
Data Source
AI summary
A high radioactivity filter system is disclosed. The invention utilizes within a container substructure a filter employing a combination of specially selected filtration and ion exchange media and a structural design of equipment for substantially or totally providing and/or rendering Class A waste forms and preventing the formation of Class B, C and GTCC waste forms. The invention also provides both ion exchange and filtration of liquid radioactive wastestreams.