Direct electrolytic destruction of spent ion-exchange resin

The experimental work describes simple and efficient electrolytic destruction of Ion Exchange resin (Dowex 1X4 anion resin which has been using for tail-end purification of plutonium in PUREX process) by using platinum gauze as anode and titanium foil as the cathode at room temperature. The simulated experimental studies are carried out to destruct the ion exchange resin for the fixed volume of effluent with constant current density mode. This experimental process explains an electrochemical cell to generate the oxidizing species to destruct the resin without any redox intermediate and investigated with time. The destruction of resin is confirmed after the remaining resin from the anolyte solution is filtered, dried and weighed for every 2 hours of electrolysis. The methodology used in this method is to study the slow and steady process at room temperature, and the destruction rate of 0.064g/hr is achieved within 14 hrs of electrolysis, and 88.51% of the solid resin is converted to CO₂ by this method. The oxidizing species of oxygen generated at the anode in strong acidic (8M) medium which leads to the oxidation of organic resin to CO₂ and H₂O