US4056112A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Containment and removal of radioactive spills by depositing a crosslinked ion exchange composition in a dry form over region of spill
Assignee: WATER GENERAL Corp MA A MA CORP
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Filing: 1974-05-02
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Granted: 1977-11-01
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Expires: 1994-05-02
Abstract
Abstract A new use for ion exchange compositions and a new method for utilizing such compositions in containing and removing spills of radioactive materials. The ion exchange compositions when used with liquid spills are arranged to have a cross-linking which, when they are deposited over the spill, permits them to absorb the liquid spill simultaneously with the occurrence of an exchange of the radioactive ions with the ions of the ion exchange compositions. A dry spill of radioactive material can be contained and removed by using a dampened ion exchange composition which is deposited over the spill. The wet or dry spills can then be readily and safely removed for appropriate disposal.
Inventors
- 👤 Calvin Calmon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 09:31
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F9/00; G21F9/28; G21F9/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of containing and removing spills of liquid radioactive material comprising the steps of depositing an ion exchange composition in a dry form over the region where a spill of liquid radioactive material has occurred and over the regions surrounding said spill region, the amount of cross-linking agent in said ion exchange composition being selected so that the radioactive ions of said radioactive material are exchanged with ions of said ion exchange composition, said radioactive ions being held in said ion exchange composition, and said liquid is simultaneously absorbed by said ion exchange composition and substantially confined to said spill region; removing said ion exchange composition from said spill region and from said surrounding regions after said ion exchange and said absorption operations have occurred.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
126 words
A method of containing and removing spills of liquid radioactive material comprising the steps of depositing an ion exchange composition in a dry form over the region where a spill of liquid radioactive material has occurred and over the regions surrounding said spill region, the amount of cross-linking agent in said ion exchange composition being selected so that the radioactive ions of said radioactive material are exchanged with ions of said ion exchange composition, said radioactive ions being held in said ion exchange composition, and said liquid is simultaneously absorbed by said ion exchange composition and substantially confined to said spill region; removing said ion exchange composition from said spill region and from said surrounding regions after said ion exchange and said absorption operations have occurred.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ion exchange composition is in the form of dry particles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein the sizes of said particles are within a range from about -16 mesh to about +200 mesh.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein the sizes of said particles are within a range from about -16 to about +50 mesh.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ion exchange composition is in the form of cloth.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ion exchange composition is in the form of paper.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ion exchange composition is in the form of a foam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ion exchange composition is an organic composition.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cross-linking of said ion exchange composition is between about 0.25% to about 25%.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method in accordance with claim 9 wherein the cross-linking of said ion exchange composition is about 0.25%.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ion exchange composition includes anionic exchange groups.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 where said ion exchange composition includes cationic exchange groups.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 and further including the step of regenerating said ion exchange material after said removal so as to recover said radioactive ions.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said anionic exchange groups are in salt form.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said anionic exchange groups are in acid form.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 12 wherein said cationic exchange groups are in salt form.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 12 wherein said cationic exchange groups are in base form.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said ion exchange composition includes both anionic and cationic exchange groups.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-10-31 | 1981-05-02 | 1981-11-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-10-31 | 1985-05-02 | 1985-11-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-10-31 | 1989-05-02 | 1989-11-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |