Cleaning process for radioactive machine shop turnings
First Claim
1. A process for the recovery of magnesium thorium alloy from radioactive scrap turnings which include magnesium thoriated alloy material, ferrous material, cutting oil, and lubricant coolant resulting from machining operations in preparation for recycling comprising the steps of:
- (a) over a duration of time in the range of 30 to 70 seconds, flooding a batch of the radioactive turnings with a solution of detergent and water heated to a temperature of approximately 180°
F.;
(b) for a duration of time in the range of 3 to 5 minutes, washing the batch of the radioactive turnings with the solution of heated water and detergent;
(c) removing from the batch of the radioactive turnings the solution of heated water and detergent and impurities including the cutting oil and the lubricant coolant;
(d) for a duration of time in the range of 20 to 45 minutes, drying the washed batch of radioactive turnings until a moisture content in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 percent is achieved; and
(e) separating ferrous material present in the washed batch of radioactive turnings from non-ferrous material therein.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a process provided for cleaning magnesium thoriated scrap turnings resulting from machining operations. It results in the recovery of a maximum possible amount of magnesium thorium alloy for future use while ensuring protection of the environment. The process reduces to a minimum the amount of the hazardous waste which must otherwise be buried at great expense and with continuing legal liability to the burying party. A batch of the magnesium thoriated scrap turnings is rapidly flooded, then washed, with a solution of heated water and detergent. Thereupon, the water, detergent and impurities are removed from the scrap turnings, and the batch dried. Thereafter, ferrous material present in the washed batch of magnesium thoriated scrap turnings is separated from non-ferrous material and the latter is classified into processed turnings and fines. The processed turnings, fines and the ferrous material are then separately packaged.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A process for the recovery of magnesium thorium alloy from radioactive scrap turnings which include magnesium thoriated alloy material, ferrous material, cutting oil, and lubricant coolant resulting from machining operations in preparation for recycling comprising the steps of:
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(a) over a duration of time in the range of 30 to 70 seconds, flooding a batch of the radioactive turnings with a solution of detergent and water heated to a temperature of approximately 180°
F.;(b) for a duration of time in the range of 3 to 5 minutes, washing the batch of the radioactive turnings with the solution of heated water and detergent; (c) removing from the batch of the radioactive turnings the solution of heated water and detergent and impurities including the cutting oil and the lubricant coolant; (d) for a duration of time in the range of 20 to 45 minutes, drying the washed batch of radioactive turnings until a moisture content in the range of 0.2 to 1.0 percent is achieved; and (e) separating ferrous material present in the washed batch of radioactive turnings from non-ferrous material therein. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification