Salt waste immobilization: separating organic acid-enabled dechlorination and off-gas captures

Unmet Need: Mechanistic Process for Treating Salt-Based Nuclear Waste

As global power demands rise and fossil fuel reserves dwindle, nuclear energy has emerged as a vital component of sustainable energy solutions. However, managing salt-based nuclear waste comprising compounds like LaCl₃, LiCl, KCl, and KI remains a significant challenge.

Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) have developed an innovative method to address this issue. Their process combines the dehalogenation of salt-based nuclear waste with iodine capture, followed by the immobilization of the dehalogenated waste into borosilicate glass (BSG). This breakthrough offers a safer, more efficient solution for managing nuclear waste.

The Technology: Advanced Dehalogenation Process and Off-Gas Capture

WSU Researchers invented a dehalogenation process that enables the efficient immobilization of dechlorinated products in a BSG waste form matrix. This novel approach surpasses traditional phosphate glass alternatives by integrating off-gas separations and capture while incorporating dehalogenated salt cations into the BSG form.

A key innovation of this technology is the use of chemical additives for dehalogenation that do not remain in the dehalogenated waste product. Instead, these additives decompose during the process, resulting in an alkali oxide-rich waste form.

Applications:

Treatment of salt-based nuclear waste
Safe waste immobilization
Nuclear facility operations
Sustainability in energy production
Iodin and Off-gas capture

Advantages:

Efficient waste treatment: Achieves higher efficiency compared to traditional methods.
Enhanced Safety and Stability: Provides long-term containment with reduced risks.
Low operating temperatures: Operates at a significantly lower temperature (300 °C) compared to traditional processes (600 °C)
Reduced Radioactive Waste: Minimizes environmental and operational impact.
Cost-effective: Reduces costs associated with waste management and disposal