A pilot plant for the removal of cationic fission products from milk: I. Design and construction

Abstract

SummaryA pilot plant with a capacity of 2300 1./5 h day for the removal of cationic fission products from milk is described. The process involves the acidification of the milk with citric acid to pH 5.25 and its passage through an ion exchange resin charged with the ions of Ca, K, Na and Mg in the same proportions as those in which they occur in milk. The effluent milk is neutralized with potassium hydroxide. At the end of the day the plant and resin bed are washed and sterilized.Two resin beds are provided and are used on alternate days, one being washed and regenerated while the other is in use. Regeneration is carried out with a solution which removes radioactive cations and restores the resin bed to its original ionic composition.Bacteriological tests show that the method of cleaning both plant and resin bed is satisfactory.Conclusions are drawn as to a suitable design for a larger scale plant.