Decontamination and Recycling of Radioactive Material from Retired Components

Abstract

There are significant potential benefits, both economic and environmental, in recycling materials from retired nuclear facilities for new controlled uses within the nuclear industry. Provided that materials have first been decontaminated to below unrestricted release levels, there is no objection in principle to using non-radioactive facilities for recycling and manufacturing activities, so long as the materials are properly tracked to prevent their uncontrolled release. The EPRI DFDX Process is an efficient and economic decontamination method for preparing materials for recycle. This technology includes processing of the radioactive solution using electrochemical ion exchange. Recent results from a field-test in Sweden are presented, and the use of this process for recycling activities will be described, including potential applications on retired steam generators.