RE: "RADAWAY" info. wanted

[Jon Dillon <JDillon@ligand.com>]

     We have been a "beta" test site for these filters.  I am currently 
     completing some testing on a different design that processes much 
     larger volumes than the 500 ml unit that you are talking about.
The 
     units work very well for our mixed waste stream consisting of 
     acetonitrile, methanol, and water with C-14 and H-3.  The filtering

     process does NOT remove all of the activity, but we are seeing 
     efficiencies between 90 and 95 percent for the removal of the 
     radioactivity.  The cost of the units are not that much when you 
     consider the cost of disposal of some mixed wastes.  We were quoted

     approximately $1000/gallon for one of ours due to the high 
     concentration of H-3.  We are hoping to use this filter to reduce
the 
     amount of H-3 and still ship the waste out as mixed waste, but at a

     significant reduction in cost.  A benchtop RADAWAY unit including
two 
     filters costs about $275 and replacement cartridges are $210 for a
six 
     pack.  Don't quote me on exact prices though.  The filters can 
     continue to be used as long as you are getting good removal 
     efficiency.  If you have any specific questions, contact me
directly 
     and I can share what little knowledge I have. :-)
     
     Just a side note on this as well.  In some states, the filtration
of 
     mixed waste could be considered treatment under the hazardous waste

     regulations.  Be cautious in your approach to make certain that you

     don't get hit with a violation or have to get a haz waste treatment

     permit.
     
     Jon Dillon
     jdillon@ligand.com
     Ligand Pharmaceuticals
     San Diego, CA


______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
Subject: "RADAWAY" info. wanted
Author:  Myung Chul Jo [SMTP:mjo@scs.unr.edu]  at TOWNE_CENTER
Date:    11/10/97 8:41 AM


We have a device which I am studying to see if we could use it to reduce

our liquid
waste volume. This device is called "RADAWAY". The RADAWAY consist
of two chambers and a special filter in between. Waste liquid is placed
in 
one chamber and a vaccum pump (or line) is connected to the other
chamber 
which forces the liquid flow through the filter into other chamber. The 
special filter is to bind with molecules in liquid which contain 
radioactivity. The filter can be disposed as solid waste after dry and
the 
liquid can than be handled as non-radioactive. The special filter has
it's 
limitations. Molecules it can bind is very limited according to specs.
The 
chamber can only hold 500 ml.
     
I would like to hear from someone other than manufacturer who used or 
tried this device. Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated.
Thank 
you in advance. Myung Chul Jo
     
Myung Chul Jo <mjo@scs.unr.edu>
University of Nevada, Reno
Health Physics
EH&S/MS 328
Reno, NV 89557
(702) 784-4540(voice)
(702) 784-4553(fax)