Intensification of Washing of Filter Materials Using Ultrasound

Abstract

Experiments on washing of filter materials to remove uranium and REE (Ce) oxides using a Grad ultrasonic bath (model 180-35) with the generator power of 300 W and frequency of 35 kHz were performed. The following filter materials were tested: MTF metal fabric filter, high-performance fiberglass cellular folded filter (FYaS-E 13 N 0 05.1 P), two types of metal fabric filters with other gauze size, T-13 glass fabric [GOST (State Standard) 19170-2001 (19170-93)] and fine air cleaning filter (FTOV N13 270 × 640 × 500–11) made of glass paper based on microthin fiberglass. The influence exerted on the washing efficiency by the treatment time, ultrasonic generator power, working solution acidity, and process temperature was examined. Ultrasonic treatment intensifies washing of filter materials to remove surrogate powders based on UO₂ and CeO₂. More efficient washing of fiberglass filter materials requires increased power of the ultrasonic generator.