Extraction Behavior of Some Elements from Leaching Solution of Simulated Nuclear Fuel

Abstract

The crush-leach process was investigated as a method to treat GEN IV simulated ceramic-coated reactor fuel. Simulated ceramic-coated fuel was prepared using fine carbon as a coating and surrogate elements for fuel, the method retained the bulk of the carbon components in elemental form, which is favorable for achieving waste reduction goals. Simulated ceramic-coated fuel was crushed and nitric acid was added to the fines as slurry that led to rapid and effective leaching of the heavy metal. The leaching process of simulated crushed ceramic-coated fuel and extraction behavior of the separated leaching solution was tested at the laboratory scale. Results showed that carbon used in the preparation of stimulated fuel was difficult to be separated by filtered, indicating the need to carefully control particle size and/or use alternative solid-liquid separation methods. Foams or emulsions was not observed during the solvent extraction step, which indicated that measurement of the distribution ratios for actinides elements were slightly larger than predicted by previous models. This increase may be due to small concentrations of organics; however the experimental results are not conclusive. Although the results do not strongly indicate effects by a contaminating organic agent, the organic species may exist in small concentrations. Such an organic species could affect the extraction behavior of the solvent if it accumulates over time.