Abstract
ABSTRACTThe total 14C content and its speciation (inorganic/organic) were measured in spent ion exchange resins (SIERs) received from Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Also, 14C release from SIERs was investigated by desorption tests carried out in alkaline solution relevant for cementitious environment disposal. The method used for total 14C measurement consists of combustion in oxygen-rich atmosphere, while for speciation measurements, both in SIERs and in desorption solutions, an analytical method based on acid stripping and wet oxidation was applied. Around 97% from the total 14C inventory measured on the Cernavoda SIERs (33.7 kBq/g) was found to be in inorganic form and only 7% as organic 14C. Under alkaline conditions, 14C could be released both as gaseous and as soluble species: from the total 14C present in the SIERs samples around 7% was released as inorganic 14C in the gas phase and 79% as dissolved species (mainly as inorganic 14C). These percentages were obtained for unconditioned SIERs in NaOH solution. The SIERs will be immobilized in a suitable matrix for disposal, and the presence of Ca ions dissolved in cement pore water favor precipitation of 14C and consequently the amount of 14C released from disposal area should be lower.
Highlights
In Romania, two CANDU 600 (CANada Deuterium Uranium) reactors are currently in operation at the Cernavoda site, and two more CANDU units are foreseen to be commenced in the future
The method used for total 14C measurement consists of combustion in oxygen-rich atmosphere, while for speciation measurements, both in spent ion exchange resins (SIERs) and in desorption solutions, an analytical method based on acid stripping and wet oxidation was applied
When the criteria thresholds are reached in a circuit, spent ion exchange resins (SIERs) are discharged in form of slurry and transferred to the storage vaults designed to store the SIERs generated during the life of Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant (NPP)
Summary
In Romania, two CANDU 600 (CANada Deuterium Uranium) reactors are currently in operation at the Cernavoda site, and two more CANDU units are foreseen to be commenced in the future. The total 14C content and its speciation (inorganic/organic) were measured in spent ion exchange resins (SIERs) received from Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).
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