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Pyrolysis Characterization of Simulated Radioactive Solid Waste: Pyrolysis Behavior, Kinetics, and Product Distribution

Author

Listed:
  • Zhigang Wei

    (Hainan Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., Changjiang 572700, China)

  • Lulu Dong

    (State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Wei Wang

    (Hainan Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., Changjiang 572700, China)

  • Pan Ding

    (Hainan Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., Changjiang 572700, China)

  • Wenqian Jiang

    (State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Chi Zuo

    (Hainan Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., Changjiang 572700, China)

  • Lei Li

    (Southwestern Institute of Physics, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Minghui Tang

    (State Key Laboratory of Clean Energy Utilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
    Qingshanhu Energy Research Center, Zhejiang University, 1699 Dayuan Road, Qingshanhu Science and Technology City, Hangzhou 311305, China)

Abstract

The disposal of low-level and intermediate-level radioactive solid waste has aroused widespread concern. In this work, the pyrolysis characterizations of simulated radioactive solid waste, cotton gloves (CG), stain removal cloths (SRC), plastic bags (PB), shoe covers (SC), and ion exchange resins (IER), were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis, Thermogravimetric–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry–Mass Spectrometry (TG-FTIR-MS) and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The main mass loss stages of CG, SRC, PB, SC, and IER were 240–500 °C, 210–500 °C, 400–550 °C, 180–610 °C, and 25–700 °C, respectively. The average activation energies calculated by three iso-conversional methods were 184.09–211.46 kJ/mol, 172.33–180.85 kJ/mol, 264.63–268.01 kJ/mol, 150.49–184.36 kJ/mol, and 150.72–151.66 kJ/mol, respectively. Pyrolysis of CG and SRC mainly produced CO 2 and oxygenated compounds. SC generated large amounts of HCl during pyrolysis. Combined with rapid pyrolysis analysis, it was shown that CG and SRC mainly produced carbohydrates, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and aromatics. The pyrolysis products of SC mainly consisted of aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatics, and acids. The pyrolysis products of PB were mainly olefins and alcohols. IER produced large amounts of aromatics during rapid pyrolysis. Specifically, the pyrolysis of IER generated some SO 2 . This work provides a theoretical basis and data support for the treatment of mixed combustible radioactive waste.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhigang Wei & Lulu Dong & Wei Wang & Pan Ding & Wenqian Jiang & Chi Zuo & Lei Li & Minghui Tang, 2025. "Pyrolysis Characterization of Simulated Radioactive Solid Waste: Pyrolysis Behavior, Kinetics, and Product Distribution," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:9:p:2341-:d:1648830
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    References listed on IDEAS

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