The presence of radiopharmaceutical contamination (mainly iodine 131, metastable technetium 99 and lutetium 177) in municipal waste can cause problems for incinerators to which such waste is destined. All waste-to-energy plants are equipped with a radiometric portal monitor at the entrance to intercept any radioactive material present in the load. This article describes how to manage the discovery of waste contaminated by radiopharmaceuticals and what problems may arise. The case study also considers the case of incineration of sewage sludge contaminated with iodine 131. Possible solutions for the management of radioactive ash exiting the plant are also described.
La presenza di contaminazione da radiofarmaci nel rifiuto solido urbano in ingresso ai termovalorizzatori: problematiche e soluzioni.
F. Campi
2024-01-01
Abstract
The presence of radiopharmaceutical contamination (mainly iodine 131, metastable technetium 99 and lutetium 177) in municipal waste can cause problems for incinerators to which such waste is destined. All waste-to-energy plants are equipped with a radiometric portal monitor at the entrance to intercept any radioactive material present in the load. This article describes how to manage the discovery of waste contaminated by radiopharmaceuticals and what problems may arise. The case study also considers the case of incineration of sewage sludge contaminated with iodine 131. Possible solutions for the management of radioactive ash exiting the plant are also described.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
