Uranium Stabilization in Zirconium Slag via Composite Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing neutralization slag of uranium associated with zirconium and zirconia are costly, inefficient, and lack effective disposal solutions, leading to environmental pollution and storage constraints due to the high reactivity and leachability of uranium in the slag.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pretreatment agent of lime and nano active materials, followed by addition of soluble calcium salts and a composite of phosphoric acid modified sepiolite and dihydric phosphate to stabilize the slag, achieving synergy in cementation, adsorption, and mineralization to immobilize uranium, reducing its leachability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If comprehensive recovery and neutralization treatment technology is used to neutralize alkaline wastewater and zirconium silicon slag, then the wastewater and waste residue can be reused to prepare white carbon black, but a certain amount of neutralization waste residue is generated with concentrated nuclides that requires storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the neutralization slag by adding stabilizing agents (phosphoric acid, silicate, aluminate) that alter the pH, oxidation-reduction potential, and mineral composition. These parameter changes transform the slag from a high-risk state with concentrated nuclides to a stabilized state with reduced leachability, enabling safe disposal or reuse without extensive storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite stabilizing agents comprising multiple components (phosphoric acid, silicate, aluminate, and other auxiliary agents) that work synergistically to stabilize the neutralization slag. This composite approach addresses both the reusability benefit and the waste residue volume problem by creating a multi-functional stabilization system
2Reliability
If physical solidification and embedding treatment methods are used for uranium stabilization, then high-level radioactive waste can be treated, but the capacity of waste residue increases and costs become high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive physical solidification methods with cheaper chemical stabilization agents (phosphoric acid, silicate, aluminate) that can be applied in smaller quantities. These chemical agents provide effective uranium stabilization through precipitation and complexation reactions, reducing both material costs and the volume of stabilized waste residue compared to traditional cement-based solidification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters (pH, oxidation-reduction potential, mineral composition) of the neutralization slag to promote uranium precipitation and stabilization. This parameter-based approach is more cost-effective than physical solidification while achieving comparable or superior stabilization effectiveness
3Stability of the object's composition
If neutralization treatment is performed on alkali fusion acid treatment waste residue, then pH index meets requirements, but uranium is released and transformed into a transportable state, exacerbating leaching risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary stabilization treatment before final disposal or reuse of the neutralization slag. By adding stabilizing agents (phosphoric acid, silicate, aluminate) at the neutralization stage, the system prevents uranium from transforming into a transportable state, thereby eliminating the leaching risk before the slag enters storage or reuse processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of uranium release during neutralization into a benefit by using the neutralization process itself to precipitate uranium when stabilizing agents are added. The pH adjustment that initially causes uranium mobilization is followed by controlled pH modification that promotes uranium precipitation and stabilization, turning the harmful release into beneficial immobilization
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 method effectively stabilizes uranium, achieving a uranium concentration in leachate below 0.1 mg/L with a removal rate of over 97%, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for the disposal of neutralization slag.
Implementation Method 1
a pretreatment agent is used to alkalize and disperse the neutralization slag
Implementation Method 2
a pretreatment agent is used to alkalize and disperse the neutralization slag
Implementation Method 3
a soluble calcium salt is added to cement the neutralization slag
Implementation Method 4
an absorbent and a stabilizer are used as a composite material to passivate the neutralization slag
Implementation Method 5
an absorbent and a stabilizer are used as a composite material to passivate the neutralization slag
Data Source
AI summary
A method for stabilizing a neutralization slag of uranium associated zirconium and zirconia, and a stabilization agent used therein are disclosed. The stabilization agent includes the following components in parts by weight: a pretreatment agent of 2-8 parts, anhydrous calcium chloride of 2-6 parts, an adsorbent of 3-5 parts and a stabilizer of 4-9 parts. The stabilization agent is used to stabilize the uranium that is existed in the neutralization slag in a waste slag. The method includes the following steps: the pretreatment agent is used to alkalize and disperse the neutralization slag; soluble calcium salt is added to cement the neutralization slag; and the adsorbent and the stabilizer are used as a composite material to passivate the neutralization slag. The method has low cost, fast effectiveness, simple process, easy operation, and long-term stable remediation efficiency, which can be applied to the treatment and disposal of associated radioactive waste residues.