SBIR-STTR Award

The selective removal of calcium/strontium from dilute aqueous streams, and cesium/strontium and/or sulfate ion from concentrated aqueous steams, is of vital interest to DOE’s economic waste minimization strategy. Such removal would significantly reduce the radioactive contents of aqueous streams, contributing to a safe environment and providing for economic radioactive waste disposal. This project will apply a patented process for the selective separation of multiple radioactive contaminants from aqueous streams. The process will provide (1) excellent separation of cesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and sulfate; (2) applicability where no alternative processes are currently available; and (3) simplicity, flexibility, and potential economic viability. Phase I will (1) test the patented process with three simulated aqaueous streams for the removal of cesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and sulfate; (2) evaluate the aquired data with a thermodynamic model; and (3) evaluate factors that influence the overall economics of the process for potential full-scale application.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
The process should not only be applicable for the treatment of the DOE radioactive aqueous streams, but also for the treatment of naturally occurring radioactive materials in waters associated with oil and gas production. Other potential commercial applications include the removal of sulfate salts from seawater in offshore oil and gas production, from cooling tower blowdown, and from streams in membrane processes