Erica H Von Holtz

Title: Innovations by Erica H Von Holtz in Actinide and Metal Removal Technologies

Introduction

Erica H Von Holtz is a notable inventor based in Livermore, CA (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of nuclear waste management through her innovative patents. With a total of 2 patents, her work focuses on methods for removing contaminants from spent salts in molten salt oxidation reactors.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is titled "Actinide removal from spent salts." This patent describes a method for effectively removing actinide contaminants, such as uranium and thorium, from the spent salt of a molten salt oxidation reactor. The process involves analyzing the spent salt to determine the contaminants and carbonate concentration. The salt is then dissolved in water, and reagents are added to precipitate thorium as thorium oxide and uranium as either uranium oxide or diuranate salt. The resulting materials are filtered, dried, and packaged for disposal as radioactive waste, achieving about 90% removal of thorium and uranium. Additionally, salt solutions with a carbonate concentration greater than 20% can be dried and reused in the reactor, while those with lower concentrations require further cleanup using an ion exchange column.

Another significant patent by Erica is "Metals removal from spent salts." This invention outlines a method and apparatus for removing metal contaminants from spent salt in a molten salt oxidation reactor. Similar to her first patent, the spent salt is analyzed, dissolved, and treated with reagents to precipitate metal oxides or hydroxides. The filtered materials can be disposed of as waste or immobilized as ceramic pellets, with over 90% of metals and mineral residues removed through filtration. Salt solutions with a carbonate concentration above 20% can be spray-dried and reused, while those below this threshold also require ion exchange column treatment to achieve low contaminant levels.

Career Highlights

Erica H Von Holtz is affiliated with the University of California, where she continues to advance her research and innovations in nuclear waste management. Her work has garnered attention for its potential to improve safety and efficiency in handling radioactive materials.

Collaborations

Erica collaborates with esteemed colleagues such as Peter C Hsu and David L Hipple, contributing to a dynamic research environment focused on innovative solutions in her field.

Conclusion

Erica H Von Holtz's contributions