Demonstration of a TODGA-Based Continuous Counter-Current Extraction Process for the Partitioning of Actinides from a Simulated PUREX Raffinate, Part II: Centrifugal Contactor Runs

The efficiency of the partitioning of trivalent actinides from a PUREX raffinate is demonstrated with a TODGA+TBP extractant mixture dissolved in an industrial aliphatic solvent TPH. Based on the results of cold and hot batch extraction studies and with the aid of computer code calculations, a continuous counter-current process is developed and two flowsheets are tested using miniature centrifugal contactors. The feed solution used is a synthetic PUREX raffinate, spiked with 241Am, 244Cm, 252Cf, 152Eu, and 134Cs. More than 99.9% of the trivalent actinides and lanthanides are extracted and back-extracted and very high decontamination factors are obtained for most fission products. The co-extraction of zirconium, molybdenum, and palladium is prevented using oxalic acid and HEDTA. However, 10% of ruthenium is extracted and only 3% is back-extracted using diluted nitric acid. The experimental steady-state concentration profiles of important solutes are determined and compared with model calculations and good agreement is generally obtained.

MODOLO G.;  ASP H.;  VIJGEN H.;  MALMBECK Rikard;  MAGNUSSON Daniel;  SOREL C.; 

2008-06-05

TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC

JRC45879

0736-6299,   

http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a789059594~db=all~order=page,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC45879,   

10.1080/07366290701784175,