iRE-SOLVE Process for the Pre-Disposal Management of Spent Ion-Exchange Resins

The iRE-SOLVE process is an innovative solution for the pre-disposal management of spent ion-exchange resins and other contaminated organic waste. This patent-pending process employs a safe, sustainable, and integrated approach, utilizing a Fenton-like wet oxidation for organic waste treatment. The liquor resulting from the process is subsequently decontaminated to concentrate the radionuclides in a residue which is easily conditioned in a durable alkali-activated matrix compliant with the waste acceptance criteria for disposal. The waste-matrix compatibility is enhanced by selecting reagents among the precursors of the conditioning matrix throughout the iRE-SOLVE process. Besides, the limitations of state-of-the-art technologies are overcome, offering a streamlined and efficient alternative which valorizes industrial by-products. As of now, the iRE-SOLVE process has a technological readiness level of 4 and has entered the European regional phase. Ongoing work aims to an industrial scale application and validation with real waste.