Clinton C Wolfe

US Patent:

51222680, Jun 16, 1992

Filed:

Aug 11, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/392854

Inventors:

Robert D. Burack - Pleasant Hills PA
William J. Stenger - Penn Township, Westmoreland County PA
Clinton R. Wolfe - Aiken SC

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B01D 1500

US Classification:

210202

Abstract:

In accordance with the present invention, there is described a method and apparatus for concentrating dissolved and solid radioactive materials carried in a waste water solution containing a hazardous chelating agent used for cleaning nuclear equipment. An oxidizing stage for receiving the waste water containing the radioactive materials and the hazardous chelating agent in the presence of an oxidizing agent oxidizes the chelating agent into non-hazardous constituents including gas and water. A separator coupled to the oxidizing chamber receives the waste water containing the radioactive material and separates the radioactive solids from the waste water containing dissolved radioactive materials. An ion exchange chamber containing an ion exchange resin receives the waste water containing the dissolved radioactive materials and removes the same from the waste water by ion exchange with the resin. A dryer receives the radioactive solids from the separator for removing water of hydration therefrom and producing dry solids.