BARC/PUB/2003/0265

 
 

Removal of indium turbidity from water using a magnesium ion loaded weak acid cation exchanger and fibrous graphite electrode

 
     
 
Author(s)

Kumbhar, A. G.; Venkateswaran, G.; Kishore, K.; Belapurkar, A. D.; Gokhale, B. K.; Dalvi, A. A.
(ApCD;ACD)

Source

Separation Science and Technology, 2003. Vol. 38 (9): pp. 2107-2120

ABSTRACT

Indium turbidity generated due to some corrosion of indium metal used for sealing over pressure rupture device (OPRD) of a RAPS-I moderator heavy water system was found to create a high radiation exposure problem due to activation of 115In to In116m (t1/2 = 54 min, Eγ = > 1 MeV). The removal of indium turbidity, due to the small size, weak charge, and low concentration [(ln) ≈ 100–150 ppb] of the suspended particles, was not possible by conventional filtration or by normal ion exchange purification systems. Indium turbidity was generated and its removal was demonstrated on magnesium hydroxide precipitated weak acid cation exchanger resin bed with 97% efficiency. A fibrous graphite electrochemical cell was also tested in the laboratory for indium turbidity removal by electrosorption and was used to remove satisfactorily indium turbidity from a RAPS moderator system on an experimental basis. The results of these studies are presented.

 
 
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