Reuse of Ion Exchange Resins for Reduction of Spent Radioactive Resins - 17125

A process is proposed to reuse ion exchange resins. The process consists of ion exchange beds for the ion exchange and regeneration, regeneration solution (regenerant) make-up tanks, an evaporator for concentration of spent regenerant, a dryer for the drying of concentrate, a pulverizer for grinding dried salt and a mixer for polymer solidification of the salt. A spent resins storage tank and a spent regenerant storage tank are also involved in the process. The role of each component in the process for reuse of the resins is explained. In addition, the effect of the reuse of ion exchange resins by regeneration was estimated in view of the reduction of spent resins. As the number of regenerations increases, the volume of spent resins is obviously inversely proportional to the number of regenerations. Although a polymer waste form is generated instead of spent resins when the ion exchange resins are reused, its volume is only about one-fifth of that of spent resins. (authors)