Decontamination of radioactive wastewater

Decontamination or decay facilities are used for the safe treatment of radioactively contaminated fecal and laboratory wastewater. The process is based on the decay of radionuclides until the limits defined in the Radiation Protection Ordinance are reached.

The wastewater first enters special lead-shielded decay tanks via a vacuum system with a pre-tank and macerator pumps. There, aeration and mixing devices ensure continuous mixing to prevent aerobic and anaerobic processes.

Accompanying technologies increase efficiency:

• Vacuum toilets significantly reduce the volume of wastewater.

• Wash water reuse systems collect and disinfect shower and hand washing water and reuse it for toilet flushing.

• Automatic consumption control monitors fresh water consumption in patient rooms and prevents excessive usage.

Before being discharged into the sewer system, all wastewater undergoes automatic activity measurement. All values are logged and can be submitted to the authorities. The system can be monitored and controlled centrally or decentrally via modern panel PCs and network control.