Patent ID: 6032881
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: G21F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for separating and collecting radioactive conductive elements from low grade dry solids, predominately non-metallic nuclear bulk waste comprising the steps of:(a) physically degrading dry, solid, bulk low grade nuclear waste by shredding said bulk waste into small pieces;(b) configuring the bulk nuclear waste into a waste stream layer of a predetermined depth;(c) generating a time varied magnetic field within a magnetic separating chamber;(d) disposing said bulk waste in said magnetic separation chamber;(e) separating radioactive particles from the bulk waste stream within a magnetic separation chamber;(f) gathering separated radioactive metallic particles at strategically located areas within said magnetic separation chamber;(g) removing said separated radioactive particles from said separation chamber whereby the remaining bulk waste material constitutes non-radioactive, non-metallic waste.