Radiation treatment method and apparatus for decontamination of polluted fluid

A radiation treatment method and apparatus for the safe disinfection and decontamination of liquid waste, such as sewage are described. Liquid waste is processed by removing some solids from the effluent, irradiating the effluent less some solids, with a gamma radiation field and percolating the disinfected effluent, or discharging the disinfected liquid into sewage conduits or into other bodies of water. The disinfecting chamber is a box constructed of concrete or other compatible material, having a radiation shielding cover, and having an inlet at one end and an exit at the other end. Baffles located in the box produce desired distribution and turbulence of flow. Sources of ionizing radiation, usually gamma radiation, are placed in the chamber in such a manner as to provide a relatively uniform radiation field in the effluent passing through the system. (auth)