Development of Biodegradable Isosaccharinate-Containing Foams for Decontamination of Actinides: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Reactions between Isosaccharinate and Actinides on Metal and Concrete Surfaces

Rai, Dhanpat ; Moore, Robert C. ; Tucker, Mark D. ; Rao, Linfeng

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (U.S.)

关键词: Removal;    Steels;    Decontamination;    Actinides;    36 Materials Science;   

DOI  :  10.2172/835042
RP-ID  :  EMSP-82715-2002
RP-ID  :  835042

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Actinide contamination of steel and concrete surfaces is a major problem within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex. For steel surfaces, the primary problem is contamination of sections of nuclear power reactors, weapons production facilities, laboratories, and waste tanks. For concrete, there are an estimated 18,000 acres of concrete contaminated with radioactive materials that need decontamination. Significant efforts have gone into developing decontamination technologies. Almost all current decontamination technologies rely on removal of the contaminated surface layer by mechanical means or by chemical methods using harsh chemicals. Some of the technologies are ineffective. Others are expensive, labor intensive, and hazardous to workers. Still others create secondary mixed wastes that are not environmentally acceptable.