Improving the Decontamination of super(137)Cs Contaminated Soil

The results of research on the most effective conditions for removing cesium from soil are presented. The effect of the type and concentration of reagent as well as the duration of treatment (leaching) and temperature on the degree of decontamination is studied. It is shown that autoclave leaching with temperature raised to 160 degree C to decontaminate super(137)Cs contaminated soil is effective. The process conditions for 99% decontamination are determined. Combining reagent treatment under the conditions chosen and hydro-separation removal of the sludge fraction makes it possible to reach a decontamination coefficient of 230 with 10-fold smaller radwaste volume.