NOVEL METHOD FOR CONCENTRATION OF LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE-WASTE

Low level radioactive waste (condensate, regenerant and detergent) is first subjected to electrodialysis for concentration of radioactive ca tions into very small volume and thus converting major portion of the waste into a dischargeable environment friendly waste. Volume reductio n factor of similar to 10 is achieved. The concentrated waste generate d during electrodialysis is then used as feed for electrochemical ion concentrator to concentrate radioactive cations further into very smal l volume. A volume reduction factor of 35-40 is achieved in this proce sss. Thus the use of electrodialyser coupled with electrochemical ion concentrator gives a total volume reduction factor of about 350-400. P ilot plant scale study has been successfully completed.