Studies on the storage and disposal of materials of sorption of radioactive ruthenium

The storage and disposal of ruthenium loaded antiknock silica gel (KSG-1) and ferric oxide (W-X-14) under both ambient and high temperatures were investigated. The regeneration and reuse of antiknock silica gel, the vitrification of ruthenium loaded ferric oxide and the properties of its glass product were also explored. Experimental results showed that ruthenium activity in the air was higher than 104 Bq·m-3 when the ruthenium loaded sorbents were directly stored in the open air. The leaching rate of ruthenium from the glass product of ruthenium loaded ferric oxide was determined to be (1.10-9,14) x 10-6 cm·d-1. The repeated use of silica gel gradually decreased its capacity of ruthenium sorption. It was concluded that the ruthenium loaded sorbents should be stored without water soakage and the air surrounding the stored sorbents should be filtered before discharging to the environment