Separation Science and Technology, Vol.50, No.18, 2881-2887, 2015
Characterization of SuperLig 639 Rhenium and Technetium Resin with Batch Contact and Column Tests
Two new (2013) lots of SuperLig((R)) 639 ion exchange resin (IBC Advanced Technologies, American Forks, UT) were tested for the first time above typical sodium concentrations (7.8 M sodium, along with typical 5 M concentration) in highly alkaline solutions. Batch contact and ion exchange column tests characterized rhenium (perrhenate) adsorption as a surrogate for pertechnetate. The work supports technetium removal options for Supplemental Low Activity Waste processing at the Hanford River Protection Project Waste Treatment Plant (WTP). The current work found that the resin performs well in the 7.8 M sodium simulant despite complete floating of the beads. A notable difference in performance between the two new resin lots was found. Resin loading overall versus temperature, potassium concentration, and rhenium/nitrate ratios is consistent with previous data and expectations despite the high sodium concentration and floating of the resin beads.