3M Selective Separation Cartridges. Innovative Technology Summary Report

At Department of Energy (DOE) sites where radioactive materials were processed for weapons development and production there is waste which needs to be remediated. Much of the waste occurs in the form of aqueous solutions. Separating radionuclides and other contaminants from these solutions is necessary before they can be discharged to the environment. Often, contaminants must be removed to below EPA drinking water standards. 3M has developed particle-loaded membranes that contain ten to thirty micron-sized particles. There is great flexibility in particle selection and it is possible to fabricate membranes from just about any particle provided it is properly sized. These membranes have been fabricated into cartridges which can be installed in the same vessels used for filters. Captured radionuclides are immobilized on cartridges which can be easily handled and packaged for storage or further processing