Framatome’s nuclear spent resin waste management solutions

Modular Systems Design

Reactor process

Resin - Process Sequence

Are you an OEM developing skid-based systems for pipeline applications into the L&G, Oil and Gas, Nuclear or Hydrogen markets?

Considering the Nuclear market in particular, effective waste management, waste reduction and waste volume control has key challenges, and Framatome has been working extensively in these areas.

Chemical Treatment of Spent Resin

Ion exchange resins are employed extensively in the nuclear industry to remove radioactive contaminants such as neutron activation products and fission products which may have leaked from fuel elements.

Spent radioactive ion exchange resins can be produced during the operation of nuclear facilities. The resins are loaded with radioactive nuclides and cannot be regenerated and reused. These waste resins should be properly treated and disposed of in order to minimize their potential hazard to the environment.

Framatome’s Solution

Framatome’s chemical treatment of spent resin removes and recovers inorganic C-14. It liquefies spent resins, decomposes organic matter, and reduces the volume of spent resin waste by using a mild Fenton-like oxidation process and an electrochemical advanced oxidation process.

The first step is to selectively remove inorganic carbonates, optionally recovering 14C02, which can enable a lower waste classification and facilitates final storage. Secondly the ion exchanger is liquefied, allowing the blending of resins with different activity, inventory and immobilization (by grouting with a volume reduction factor of 3-4 in comparison with direct grouting). Optional step 3 is to completely decompose organic matter, thereby facilitating long-term storage. A further optional step is to transform the liquefied resin into a solid inorganic waste, separating the majority of radionuclides from inactive ions thereby reducing volume further.

Multiple Benefits

Framatome’s system is mobile, modular and customizable. The grouting of liquefied spent resins generates three/four times less waste than direct grouting. In addition to a reduction in spent resin waste, storage volume and disposal costs are also reduced. The process produces organic-free waste, which facilitates long-term storage and minimizes the risk of failure to meet waste acceptance criteria.

Work with us

Whatever stage you’re at in the development process, we can help. From prototype testing elements for the initial skid system to CFD or physical modelling of an established design, our knowledge and experience can quickly identify and mitigate any risks your project is facing.  We utilise transferable skills and know-how to ensure you meet and exceed your project objectives.

For an initial discussion contact Mark Willey:

Tel:             +44 (0) 7843 816808

Email:         mark.willey@framatome.com 

Web:           www.framatomebhr.com 

Published: 2nd October 2023