Review of Ion Exchange Technologies for Cesium Removal from Caustic Tank Waste
Sandra K. Fiskum, Leonard F. Pease, Reid A. Peterson
Abstract
This article reviews the historical uses of and current research into ion exchange for the removal of cesium from defense-related nuclear waste streams. Emphasis is placed on key attributes of the two current leading ion exchangers for Cs removal: spherical resorcinol-formaldehyde, an elutable organic resin, and crystalline silicotitanate, a non-elutable crystalline solid. An understanding of the successes, issues, and limitations of past ion exchange experience may be helpful in better understanding current ion exchanger use. Emphasis is placed on Cs capacity, exchange kinetics, stability, and column hydrodynamics for processing alkaline wastes as well as the final waste forms of the ion exchangers.