Reuse of Activated Carbons from Filters for Water Treatment Derived from the Steam Cycle of a Nuclear Power Plant

Nuclear energy, which is considered clean but not renewable energy, currently has a great impact on the energy mix of different countries. In the case of Spain, it implies over 20% of current energy requirements, pointing out the relevance of nuclear power plants. These plants generate different wastes or products (apart from radioactive) that should be managed. For instance, the activated carbon included in filters (which neutralize isotopes in a possible radioactive leakage) must be periodically replaced. These filters have expiration dates that must be respected. Nevertheless, the activated carbon in these filters might present long service lives, as they have not undergone any adsorption process. Consequently, a considerable and recurring amount of activated carbon can be reused in different processes, even in the same nuclear power plant. The aim of this work was to assess the use of activated carbons (previously included in filters to prevent possible radioactive releases in primary circuits) for water treatment derived from the steam cycle of a nuclear power plant. For this purpose, a regeneration process was carried out, measuring the adsorption efficiency by using ethanolamine, proving that factors such as porosity play an important role in the specific usage of activated carbons.