Capture and sequestration of radioactive iodine

Trapping experiments have been performed at the Idaho National Laboratory to assess the performance of AgX sorbent media in capturing volatile iodine during the oxidation of irradiated oxide fuel. The demonstration of iodine release and capture from the used fuel has been accomplished with laboratory-scale equipment in a hot cell environment. Iodine loadings as high as 6 ug/g media have been achieved via chemical adsorption with filter efficiencies in excess of 90%. In addition to iodine, significant quantities of tritium have also been collected on the AgX filter media. Filter media loaded with radioactive iodine has been sequestered in a tin matrix by hot isostatic pressing at 200oC. The placement and encapsulation of the sorbent media was examined by neutron radiography, thus confirming the sequestration of radioactive iodine.

Keywords

Iodine, Oxidation, Spent fuels, Neutron radiography, Hot pressing, Idaho National Laboratory

Citation

Westphal, B. R., Cummings, D. G., Giglio, J. J., Wahlquist, D. L., Bateman, K. J., McCartin, W. M., Park, J. J., Shin, J. N., & Begg, B. D. (2010). Capture and sequestration of radioactive iodine. Paper presented to the 34th International Symposium on the Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management (2010 MRS Spring Meeting), 5th - 9th April 2010. San Francisco, California: Moscone West and San Francisco Marriott. In K.L. Smith, S. Kroeker, et al. (Eds.), Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXXIV, 1265, 65-73. doi:10.1557/PROC-1265-AA02-04