Removal of Aluminum Turbidity from Heavy Water Reactors by Precipitation Ion Exchange Using Magnesium Hydroxide

A special magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)₂ sorber, loaded onto an ion-exchange matrix has been developed to remove hydrated alumina turbidity in heavy water. This sorber was applied to the coolant/moderator system in the research reactor Dhruva. The sorber not only removed turbidity but also suspended uranium at parts per billion levels and associated β,γ activity. The sorption is based on the attraction between the positively charged Mg(OH)₂ surface and the negatively charged hydrated alumina particles.