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Введение
In the operation and ventilation systems of nuclear power plants, radioactive iodine (especially I-131 and I-129) is a volatile radionuclide that must be strictly controlled. Due to its high volatility and potential health risks, nuclear power plants require a reliable and long-term stable adsorbent material to capture iodine and prevent its release into the environment. Among various adsorbent materials, KI (potassium iodide) impregnated activated carbon is widely considered the best choice due to its excellent iodine adsorption capacity and nuclear-grade safety performance.
Why do nuclear power plants need to use iodine-removing activated carbon?
Nuclear fission produces various iodine isotopes, which can exist in the system as gases, vapors, or organic iodine compounds. If released into the exhaust system without treatment, they can spread into the environment, affecting the surrounding ecosystem and human health.
Therefore, nuclear power plants must use high-performance adsorbent materials in their ventilation and exhaust treatment systems to ensure safe emissions.
Nuclear-grade iodine-removing activated carbon helps nuclear power plants:
• Capture inorganic iodine and some organic iodine
• Prevent the release of radioactive iodine into the environment
• Meet nuclear-grade emission standards
• Ensure the long-term stable operation of air filtration systems
Активированный уголь, пропитанный KI
Potassium iodide (KI) impregnated onto the surface of activated carbon can react chemically with iodine, forming stable solid compounds that firmly lock the radioactive iodine within the carbon pore structure, making its release extremely difficult. This capability is particularly prominent when dealing with inorganic iodine (such as I₂), and is one of the most important characteristics in nuclear-grade air filtration.
How does KI Impregnated activated carbon work?
Highly Efficient Physical Adsorption
The microporous and mesoporous structure of activated carbon quickly captures iodine molecules, providing a reaction interface for subsequent chemical fixation.
Chemical Fixation Reaction (Core)
The surface KI reacts with iodine, for example:
I₂ + KI → KI₃
These products are highly stable and non-volatile, which is key to preventing secondary release.
Long-Term Stable Adsorption Performance
Chemical fixation keeps iodine in a solid state, making it resistant to desorption or migration even in a continuous airflow environment.
Especially Suitable for Removing Inorganic Iodine
KI-impregnated carbon exhibits extremely high adsorption efficiency when treating inorganic iodine (I₂), enabling reliable and continuous filtration in nuclear-grade systems.
Through these mechanisms, KI-impregnated activated carbon not only rapidly adsorbs iodine but also converts it into a stable form, ensuring its safe containment throughout the system’s operating cycle. This is the core reason why it is the preferred iodine removal material in nuclear power plants.
KI impregnated activated carbon parameters
| Параметр | Спецификация |
| Base Material | Coal based or Coconut based Activated Carbon |
| Размер частиц | 4×8 mesh / 4×6 mesh / 1–4 mm (customizable) |
| Йодное число | ≥ 900 мг/г |
| Твердость | ≥ 95% |
| KI Impregnation Content | 2% – 5% (customizable) |
| Влажность | ≤ 5% |
| Содержание золы | ≤ 8% |
| Насыпная плотность | 480 – 520 kg/m³ |
| Площадь поверхности | 900 – 1100 m²/g |
| Powdering Rate | ≤ 0.1% |
| Приложение | Nuclear power ventilation, offgas treatment, radioactive iodine removal |
Typical Applications
KI-impregnated activated carbon is primarily used in air purification systems to ensure that iodine-containing gases are effectively captured before being released. Its applications cover several critical ventilation systems in nuclear power plants.
Typical applications include:
Nuclear power plant ventilation systems (HVAC)
Reactor auxiliary system exhaust
Off-gas treatment systems
Radioactive laboratory exhaust purification
Air treatment in nuclear medicine departments
These systems all require long-term stable operation, and KI-impregnated carbon perfectly meets this requirement.
Заключение
In nuclear power plant ventilation and exhaust gas treatment systems, selecting the correct adsorbent material is crucial. KI-impregnated activated carbon, with its efficient, stable, and reliable iodine adsorption performance, has become a widely recognized iodine removal material in the industry.
It not only provides safety assurance for nuclear power plants but also lays a solid foundation for the sustainable development of the nuclear industry. If you require technical parameters, specifications, or pricing for KI-impregnated activated carbon, we would be happy to assist you.