Radio Nuclide Removal
Scope
A nuclear site management company commissioned an independent organisation to run a program to determine the most effective method of treating an effluent water stream. This is generated during the processing of spent fuel rod components and is contaminated by radio nuclides including Co-60 and Zn-65.
Program
Brimac worked together with the nuclear company and the independent organisation to create an appropriate brief and bench marking scheme for the proposed technologies. A program of work was carried out in three phases. After an initial review of alternative technologies and their methods of application a small number were identified for batch testing to quantify actual performance within a range of operating parameters. A third phase of longer term dynamic column based trials was run to verify the phase 2 tests, optimise flow and quantify the long term performance of the systems.
Brimac’s proposed technologies and systems were amongst the successful solutions selected for implementation at the nuclear site. Brimac continued to advise on the best integration of the chosen technologies into the site systems.
Outcome
From this program the Brimac solution was selected as it gave the best performance based on planned usage, physical application and cost. A processing plant has been installed and commissioned with further plants expected to be installed.
