Patent ID: 7645387
Filing Date: 2010-01-12
Classification: B01D,C02F

Abstract:
1. A method of processing an aqueous radioactive fluid or (AF) to maximize boron control, said (AF) having radioactive isotopes and at least salt, boron and nonradioactive constituents, supplied to a supply area from a source area consisting of a group of source areas including a nuclear reactor, a radwaste system and a nuclear reactor plant facility; said method having at least one step of conveying a liquid volume of the (AF) to a sole discharge and release point for liquid effluents of the (AF) in an ambient environment apart and outside of the source area, said method comprising the steps of: (a) demineralizing the (AF) by or as a function of ion exchange for enhancing boron passage through the RO membranes and for reduction of the amount of radioactive isotopes passing therethrough while substantially permitting said salt, boron and nonradioactive constituents to pass through and lowering the pH thereof to an acidic range at least such that substantially most of the boron can later pass through an RO membrane; and then (b) polishing the (AF) by reverse osmosis or (RO), and (c) dividing the (AF) into a permeate liquid volume and a reject liquid volume, the permeate volume having a greater fraction of the boron constituent present in the (AF to permit recovery therefrom and a lower isotopic, organic and mineral content, and the reject volume having a substantially reduced concentration of boron and an increased isotopic, organic and mineral content; (d) recycling the reject volume; and (e) conveying the permeate volume to said at least one step of conveying a liquid volume of the (AF) to a sole discharge and release point for liquid effluents of the (AF) in an ambient environment apart and outside of the source area.