Purolite says it has developed a novel Ion Exchange technology that is key to removing low level radioactive contamination. It has been successful in achieving non-detect levels on all of the 62 radionuclides that exceed mandated discharge limits in the coolant water at the Tokyo Electric (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Reactor in Japan. “In conjunction with our Japanese partner, we have been able to demonstrate the successful reduction of all 62 radionuclides in the contaminated water to non-detect levels set by TEPCO” said Steve Brodie, CEO and President of Purolite.“Investigation and testing encompassed six months of intense activity, culminating in pilot testing at the Fukushima site, which demonstrated that a combination of our new ion exchange products and innovative application techniques selectively reduced all radioactive nuclides to non-detect levels. This has never before been achieved, especially considering the high salt background level in the coolant water deriving from the use of sea water for emergency cooling a year ago”. Brodie added, “Non of the current competitive alternatives have achieved the same level of non-detect on all 62 radionuclides as the Purolite technology”.

Achieving non-detect levels on all 62 radionuclides is critical to local community, fishermen, farmers, neighboring countries and governmental bodies in order to safely discharge the cleaned up water to the ocean. If any of the 62 radionuclides are not reduced to non-detect levels TEPCO may be forced to build even more storage tanks, which are exposed to rupture and spillage, until a satisfactory solution can be found.