Study on the test method of activated carbon fiber for radioactive material adsorption

The global demand for energy is escalating due to the increased power consumption for AI data centers, leading to the expansion of nuclear power facilities and a subsequent rise in radioactive waste generation. To address this, activated carbon filter systems have been employed in nuclear power plants to adsorb and prevent the atmospheric release of radioactive iodine, a byproduct of these facilities. However, the substantial annual discharge of activated carbon is causing challenges such as a shortage of waste storage facilities. To mitigate this issue, this study investigated the application of activated carbon fiber (ACF) in nuclear power plant filter systems. Adhering to existing standards for radioactive material adsorption, we established a suitable testing environment for ACF and conducted adsorption and removal tests. The results demonstrated a maximum removal efficiency of over 99.918% for radioactive iodine, indicating a performance comparable or superior to that of conventional activated carbon used in current processes. This research is expected to contribute positively to the diversification of materials used for radioactive material adsorption and removal in nuclear power plants, as well as the establishment of relevant standards.