APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SEPERATING TRITIATED AND HEAVY WATER FROM LIGHT WATER

Abstract

An apparatus and method for separating tritiated water (HTO) and/or heavy water (D20) from light water (H2O). A disposable, dense, plastic filter mesh is disposed within a cylinder which is configured to rotate. Chilled heavy water is pumped into the rotating cylinder. Tritiated heavy water, which is preferably frozen, is pressed to the interior wall of the cylinder which is lined with the filter mesh. The heavy water becomes affixed to the mesh, and light water is drained from the cylinder to be reused as coolant. The mesh filter, when needed, is safely disposed in accordance with industry guidelines. The mesh filter is then replaced with a new iteration of the filter.

Claims

1. An apparatus for separating tritiated water from light water, comprising: a cylinder; a drain, in communication with said cylinder; an intake, in communication with said cylinder; a pump, in communication with said intake; and a filter mesh, in communication with said cylinder.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cylinder is configured to rotate about a primary longitudinal axis.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said drain is configured to remove light water after cleansing.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said intake is configured to introduce tritiated water into said cylinder from said pump.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said filter mesh is disposed within said cylinder.

6. A method for separating tritiated water from light water, comprising: pumping heavy water through a chiller; chilling the heavy water to 2 to 4 degrees Celsius; allowing the chilled heavy water to sink; pumping the chilled heavy water into a cylinder; and attaching the chilled heavy water to plastic mesh inside the cylinder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0017] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 exhibits a view of the mesh and cylinder of the apparatus of the present invention as seen from the side.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart detailing the process of use of the present invention by a user in a nuclear power plant environment.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram detailing the cooling system of the nuclear power plant, and the role in which the solution of the present invention is needed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0021] The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s).

[0022] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0023] The present invention is a Tritiated Water treatment apparatus and method configured to facilitate the treatment of contaminated water conventionally generated during nuclear power production. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to continuously clean tritiated water (cooling water) on-site without the need to cease operations of the facility to undergo maintenance procedures.

[0024] The present invention employs the use of a cylinder (10) which is configured to rotate about a primary longitudinal axis (20). The cylinder (10) is preferably equipped with a drain (30) and intake (40). The drain (30) facilitates removal of the light water after it has been cleansed, and the intake (40) facilitates introduction of heavy water to the cylinder (10) via a pump. A filter mesh (50) is present along an interior side wall (60) of the cylinder (10). The filter mesh (50) is preferably composed of a dense plastic, and is disposable. It is envisioned that the filter mesh (50) may be easily removed via an access panel, or via the drain (30) when it must be disposed upon sufficient collection of tritiated water.

[0025] The system and apparatus of the present invention is configured to continuously clean tritiated water on-site without the need to shut down for maintenance. Once the declusterization of heavy and light water molecules is complete, the liquid is pumped into a chiller. The chiller cools the water to two to four degrees Celsius prior to being introduced to the cylinder (10) of the present invention. The cylinder (10) then rotates per a connection to at least one motor disposed adjacent to the cylinder (10). As the cylinder rotates, the tritiated water becomes attached to the filter mesh (50) of the interior side wall (60). Occasionally, the filter mesh (50) is removed and replaced with a new filter mesh (50).

[0026] The process of installation and use of the system and apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, is preferably as follows: [0027] 1. Cooling water is used at the nuclear power plant to maintain the system at the ideal operating temperature. (100) [0028] 2. The use of water on site radiates the water, forming tritiated heavy water. (110) [0029] 3. The heavy water is circulated away from the reactor and disposed in at least one tank. (120) [0030] 4. From the tank, the heavy water is pumped through a chiller in which the heavy water is chilled to two to four degrees Celsius. (130) [0031] 5. Upon reaching two to four degrees Celsius, the tritiated water freezes and sinks. (140) [0032] 6. The chilled heavy water is then pumped into a cylinder, the cylinder is equipped with a plastic mesh. (150) [0033] 7. The cylinder containing the chilled heavy water is rotated, forcing the heavier tritiated water to the sidewalls of the interior of the cylinder which are lined with the plastic mesh. (160) [0034] 8. The tritiated water then becomes attached to the mesh of the cylinder interior wall. (170) [0035] 9. Remaining light water of the cylinder is drained and recirculated as cooling water for the plant. (180) [0036] 10. When needed, the plastic mesh of the cylinder is removed and replaced with new clean mesh. (190) [0037] 11. The contaminated mesh is disposed safely in accordance with local and national guidelines. (200)

[0038] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

[0039] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.