A Moderator Ion Exchange Model to Predict Carbon-14 Behaviour During Operations

Abstract

Carbon-14 emissions from CANDU 6 stations are reduced through the removal of inorganic carbon ions by the ion exchange (IX) columns in the moderator purification system. A model has been developed to simulate the ion exchange behaviour of anions and cations present in the moderator. The model can be used to generate breakthrough curves for IX columns.Results from the program were compared to breakthrough curves generated by a small‑scale experimental facility as well as data collected from Wolsong-3 where the IX column remained in service well past the recommended time. In both cases, the breakthrough curves were similar to the collected data.