Methods for recycling metals from the nuclear industry

Abstract

Methods for processing metal components from the nuclear industry are described. In some embodiments, a method includes processing a component having a surface contaminated with radionuclides by dissolving at least a portion of the surface with an acid solution to produce a waste solution including the radionuclides, and separating the radionuclides from the waste solution. In some embodiments, a method includes processing a component including a target radionuclide by immersing at least a portion of the component in an electrolyte bath, applying an electric current to cause electrodissolution, and electroplating the target radionuclide from the solution onto a cathode. In some embodiments, a method includes processing a metal composite component by dissolving it to produce a solution including dissolved metal and particulate material, and separating the particulate material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.