Storage and transport of ion-exchange resins

A combination of storage and transport of ion-exchange resins could simplify life of the nuclear facility operator. Due to its mobility and relatively small dimensions, it can be an alternative for large and fixed storage systems.Often storage or transport of these ion-exchange resins are necessary before treatment or before they can be introduced into standard radioactive waste streams. Loading ion-exchange resins in/out of storage or transport tanks can be difficult due to the high dose rate and the behaviour of these resins.Since 2015, a type IP-2 packaging consisting out of an ISO 20’ container with two shielded tanks inside is used for interim storage and transport of ion-exchange resins. A vertical configuration with a sieve in the bottom of the tank, piping from bottom to top and connections and valves on top are used for the transport and/or storage of used radioactive ion-exchange resins.These high dose rate resins are remotely loaded/unloaded using water as a transport medium. Resins are injected with water inside the tank but are stopped by and remain on top of the sieve in the bottom of the tank. The dimensions of the sieve spacing can be adapted to meet the requirements of the ion-exchange resins. To remove all the resins out of the tank a resin/water flow from below is created. All the external connections are made on top of the tank with specific connectors.