Description: The Ukrainian Institute has developed a technology designed for deep purification of liquid radioactive waste (LRW), which are formed during the operation of nuclear power plants, the regeneration of nuclear fuel from spent fuel elements, the use of radioactive radiation in science, technology and medicine. The developed sorption-coagulation technology is aimed at replacing traditional technologies for concentrating radionuclides by evaporating radioactive waste. Sorbents that were used to fill the sorption columns: nanoporous phosphates and silicates of Zr and Ti (ZrSi and TiSi) of spherical granulation; for coagulation, TiSi powder forms are used. The technology was tested on a complex composite solution that accumulates under the fourth destroyed block at the Chernobyl NPP. The test results confirmed the high efficiency of the proposed development. The total decrease in activity is: for 137Cs – 4-7 orders of magnitude; 90Sr – 3-4 orders of magnitude; 238,239,240Pu, 241Am, U – 3 orders of magnitude (complete purification). A simple and economical two-stage scheme for complete LRW treatment has been developed. Radionuclides, which are concentrated on sorbents, can be placed for long-term storage (bitumen, cement, glass surfacing). Advantages: low cost of materials used; technological simplicity of their use; significant economic benefits from systematic recycling. The technology requires additional testing for the content of liquid radioactive waste from the power plant.
Expected result of investments: Implementation of the development will allow replacing the existing technologies of evaporation of liquid radioactive waste with more convenient, as well as ecologically and economically favorable coagulation-sorption finishing. The technology can be implemented at nuclear power facilities, destroyed by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, radiochemical facilities. It will allow solving the problem of systematic processing of liquid radioactive waste from Ukrainian NPPs, and will significantly improve the condition of the territories adjacent to the Chernobyl NPP. The developer requires the implementation of a license and the creation of simple production facilities at one or several production facilities in Ukraine.
Contribution of the organization proposing the project: Testing was carried out on a complex solution at the Chernobyl NPP; the test results confirmed the high efficiency of the proposed development.
Expected investment amount: Estimated cost of revision – $ 50-70 thousand. The cost of implementing the technology at Ukrainian enterprises is $ 300,000.