Hydrodynamic characteristics of 30%TBP/kerosene-HNO3 solution system in an annular centrifugal contactor

Abstract

Annular centrifugal contactors (ACCs) have many advantages and are recognized as key solvent-extraction equipment for the future reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel (RSNF). To successfully design and operate ACCs for RSNF, it is necessary to understand the hydrodynamic characteristics of the extraction systems in ACCs. The phase ratio (R = Vaq/Vorg, A/O) and liquid holdup volume (V) of the ACC are important hydrodynamic characteristics. In this study, a liquid-fast-separation method was used to systematically investigate the effects of the operational and structural parameters on the V and R (A/O) of a ϕ20 ACC by using a 30%TBP/kerosene-HNO3 solution system. The results showed that the operational and structural parameters had different effects on the V and R (A/O) of the mixing and separating zones of the ACC, respectively. For the most frequently used structural parameters of the ϕ20 ACC, when the rotor speed was 3500 r/min, the total flow rate was 2.0 L/h, and the flow ratio (A/O) was 1, the liquid holdup volumes in the mixing zone and rotor were 8.03 and 14.0 mL, respectively, and the phase ratios (A/O) of the mixing zone and separating zone were 0.96 and 1.43, respectively.