Electron Beam Processing to Improve Biodegradable Polymers and for Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Recycling

The treatment of wastewater and industrial effluents by electron beam irradiation is a promising technique. The design and construction of a mobile unit by the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN-CNEN), containing an electron beam accelerator of 0.7 MeV and 20 kW is innovative to demonstrate the effects and positive results of this technology, as shown. The mobile unit has as one of its main advantages the possibility of treating effluents in the place where the source is located, eliminating costs and bureaucratic problems associated with the transportation of waste, besides publicizing the technology in several places in the country. To implement the project, IPEN-CNEN has been consolidating partnerships with national and international companies. The resources for the development of the unit have been supplied by the Brazilian Innovation Agency (FINEP) and International Atomic Energy Agency, financing the "IAEA TCProject BRA1035 - Mobile electron beam accelerator to treat and recycle industrial effluents". The Institute has associated with a specialized company (Truckvan Industry) in an innovation project for the unit design and development. A 3D model study of the control room and laboratory space was done to facilitate understanding the internal distribution of the laboratory analysis equipment (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, Total Organic Carbon and UV-Visible Spectroscopy).