Cesium Removal from Simulated and Actual Hanford Tank Waste Using Ion Exchange

Abstract

:Effective cesium removal from Hanford tank wastes is presented using SuperLig® 644, an elutable, organic ion exchanger. Test materials included simulant 241 -AW-101, actual wastes from tanks 241-AP-101, 241-AN-102 combined with wash and leachate solutions from 241-C-104 solids, concentrated 241-AZ-102, 241-AZ-101, and 241-AP-104. Multiple process cycle testing was conducted using dual, small columns in series. Cesium (Cs) load and elution profiles were developed. In all cases, high Cs decontamination factors from the Hanford tank waste were obtained. The Cs was efficiently eluted from the resin with 0.5 M HNOj, and the resin was regenerated with 0.25 M NaOH, allowing for repeated resin reuse.