Application of a multi-criteria decision-making model in selecting optimized airborne iodine absorbent released from nuclear power plants and installations in Iran

Iodine is one of the most important pollutants in nuclear installations and various absorbents have been proposed to remove it. The purpose of this study was to select the optimal airborne iodine absorbents according to the conditions in Iran. To implement the optimization model, at first, eight criteria were selected and their weights were determined using the SMART and Eigenevector methods. Then these weights were converted to one weight by the geometric mean. Finally, the indexes were prioritized using the two optimization methods of SAW and TOPSIS. Maximum weight of the criteria was related to the cost of providing the raw material and minimum to the storage time. Based on priority, the activated charcoal should be used as an optimum absorbent. TOPSIS and SAW methods were used to prioritize different absorbent beds; the results were equal in both methods. Furthermore, the results indicated that conventional activated charcoal, activated charcoal impregnated with TEDA, activated charcoal impregnated with HMTA and silver Zeolites are respectively the best absorbents in Iran. Although the activated charcoal impregnated with TEDA has the most optimum rate of absorption, considering the influence of other parameters on its selection, this absorbent assigns a secondary priority. By eliminating technological bottlenecks in industrial production of activated carbon impregnated with TEDA, the individual and collective protection systems will be upgraded.