AMP-PAN column tests for the removal of Cs-137 from actual and simulated INEEL high-activity wastes

The cesium inorganicion exchange material, ammonium molybdophasphate (AMP)/ polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite, was recently tested at the Idaho Nationa l Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). Small-scale tests using a column having a bed volume of 1.5 mL were performed in a shielded hot ce ll with actual INEEL high-activity waste. Tests were also performed with an identical column using simulated INEEL waste spiked with Cs-137. These res ults show AMP-PAN to be very effective in removing Cs-137 from ICPP acidic waste. A cesium decontamination factor of >3000 was achieved in the actual waste test. Tests with actual waste and simulant indicate the AMP-PAN compo site to be regenerable and have a large capacity for cesium.