Investigation on high gradient magnetic separation for CRUD material in nuclear reactor

In this study, we investigated high-gradient magnetic separation as a method for separating crud in high-temperature, high-pressure water inside a nuclear reactor. Corrosion products in the coolant circulate through the system and attach to the reactor core, where they are activated by neutron irradiation. The activated corrosion products then desorb from the core and circulate through the cooling system again. The corrosion product in the reactor water or piping system is called crud. Crud is the main source of radiation exposure for radiation workers. Removal and recovery of crud is important in decommissioning plants that have been in operation for service life, and new technologies are also desired. A method for separating activated ions adsorbed on ion exchange resins in nuclear reactors using magnetic separation is developed. In this method, the ion exchange resin is washed with acid, the activated ions are adsorbed from the washing water using adsorbents, and then separated magnetically. Rudimentary experiments were conducted to investigate the possibility of this method.