Development of a mobile unit with an electron beam accelerator (20 kw and 700 keV)

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is therefore to install an electron beam accelerator (20 kW and 700 keV) in a mobile unit to treat effluent from petroleum production, for petroleum desulfurization and, in addition, for degradation of toxic organic compounds in wastewater for reusein, in partnerships with private and public institutions. Several technical aspects were considered in this installation, such as following the national transport legislation and the safety requirements (BSS, IAEA and CNEN Safety Standards). Technical characteristics of the electron beam accelerator (EBA) are energy of 700 keV and 28.5 mA of beam current, with 60 cm scan length. The installation of the EBA includes the developing and manufacturing a radiological shield. In several points of the mobile unit, GM type radiation sensors will be installed for radiological monitoring during irradiation processing, interlocked with the accelerator’s safe operating system. For the design of a vacuum system with mechanical pumps, ion pump and sensors, the following procedures will be carried out: a) design of an optimized system of the mobile unit power supply; b) development of a cooling system with deionized water and pressurized air for the cooling of the EBA systems in the scan horn, high voltage generator, control panel, vacuum system, among other peripherals; c) installation of the fan to cool the thin titanium window; d) installation of an ozone filter in the exhaust system to remove gas generated during irradiation; e) project of a mechanical structural reinforcement of the trailer was studied, improved and executed. In the mobile unit, a space was created for an analysis laboratory to monitor the wastewater before and after irradiation, establishing parameters in the quality control of the irradiated material.