Membrane technology for separation of radionuclides

The membrane technology is a proven tool for desalination and water and effluent water treatment. It is now finding applications in separation and concentration of ionic/non-ionic constituents from various process streams in chemical industry. There are a number of membrane processes offering wide range of selectivity for different species ranging from trace to very high concentrations. The membrane processes are suggested to compliment and supplement the conventional separation processes such as sorption, ion exchange, solvent extraction and evaporation processes in treatment of radioactive liquids containing different radionuclides. The membrane processes are simple, consume low energy and are operable at ambient temperature. They involve a single step separation unlike the equilibrium based separation processes. The polymeric membranes used at present, however, do not possess sufficient resistance towards radiation and chemical effects encountered in processing of highly radioactive liquid streams. The ionic and inorganic membranes being developed can stand to extreme environments. This paper outlines an account of the possible use of various membrane processes in separation of radionuclides. (author). 9 refs., 2 figs., 7 tabs