PURIFICATION OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE SOLUTIONS WITH NATURAL INORGANIC ION EXCHANGERS. II. THE EXCHANGE OF CESIUM AND STRONTIUM IONS ON RADGENDORF CLAY

The research and measurement methods used in the determination of the exchange properties are described. For characterization of the applicability of Radgendorf clay as an ion exchanger, the results are given for exchange velocity, effect of pH, grain size influence, and temperature dependence for cesium and strontium. The exchange capacity of the clay can be determined with the help of agitation and column studies. For the column research a stabilization of the clay was necessary. In order to obtain a survey on the changes in the exchange capacity caused by inactive salts such as NaNO/sub 3/, Ca(NO/sub 3/)/sub 2/, and Al(NO/sub 3/)/sub 3/, comparative studies were made. The cesium selectivity of the clay was established. On the basis of this selectivity, samples of Radgendorf clay are suitable for the separation of Cs/sup 137/ and Sr/sup 90/. The possibility of separating Cs/sup 137/ from fission product mixtures for the preparation of radioactive sources is shown. (tr-auth)