Removal efficiency of radioactive methyl iodide on TEDA-impregnated activated carbons

• Published in: Fuel processing technology Vol. 92; no. 2; pp. 247 - 252
• Main Authors: Gonzalez-Garcia, C M, Gonzalez, J F, Roman, S
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Activated carbon; adsorbents; Adsorption; Applied sciences; carbon dioxide; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; hulls; Juglans; methyl iodide; Porosity; Radioiodine removal; steam; walnuts; Porosity; Adsorption; Radioiodine removal; Activated carbon; Carbon dioxide; Activation; Adsorbent; Water vapor
• ISSN: 0378-3820; 1873-7188
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2010.04.014

Activated carbons were prepared by different series of carbon dioxide and steam activation from walnut shells for their optimal use as radioactive methyl iodide adsorbents in Nuclear Plants. The knowledge of the most favourable textural characteristics of the activated carbons was possible by the previous study of the commercial activated carbon currently used for this purpose. In order to increase their methyl iodide affinity, the effect of triethylenediamine impregnation was studied at 5 and 10 wt.%. The results obtained indicated that in both cases the adsorption efficiency is markedly improved by the addition of impregnant, which allows the adsorbate uptake to occur not only by physical adsorption, via non-specific interactions (as in non-impregnated carbons) but also by the specific interaction of triethylenediamine with radioactive methyl iodide. Methyl iodide retention efficiencies up to 98.1% were achieved.