ADSORPTION DECONTAMINATION OF RADIOACTIVE-WASTE SOLVENT BY ACTIVATED ALUMINA AND BAUXITES

An adsorption process utilizing activated alumina and activated bauxit e adsorbents was evaluated as a function of operating parameters for t he removal of low level radioactive contaminants from organic waste so lvent generated in the fuel reprocessing facilities and support operat ions at Savannah River Site. The waste solvent, 30 vol% tributyl phosp hate in n-paraffin diluent, was degraded due to hydrolysis and radioly sis reactions of tributyl phosphate and n-paraffin diluent, producing fission product binding degradation impurities. The process, which has the potential for removing these activity-binding degradation impurit ies from the solvent, was operated downflow through glass columns pack ed with activated alumina and activated bauxite adsorbents. Experiment al breakthrough curves were obtained under various operating temperatu res and flow rates. The results show that the adsorption capacities of activated alumina and activated bauxite were in the order of 10(4) an d 10(5) dpm/g of adsorbent, respectively. The performance of the adsor ption process was evaluated in terms of dynamic parameters (i.e., adso rption capacity, the height and the efficiency of adsorption zone) in such a way as to maximize the adsorption capacity and to minimize the height of the mass transfer or adsorption zone.