Radiochemical reprocessing of vanadium–chromium–titanium alloys after fusion reactor demo decommissioning

Abstract

Activated structural materials of fusion reactors after the reactor decommissioning may be sent either for burial or for radiochemical reprocessing and consequent material refabrication. This paper considers an opportunity of radiochemical extraction reprocessing of activated vanadium alloy, which is a potential structural material for Russian demonstration fusion reactors (DEMO). The nitrate solutions of the alloy components were used as the aqueous phase. The solution of di-2-ethyl-hexyl-phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) in a hydrocarbon solvent was chosen as an extractant in the experiments. The extraction of alloy impurities (till the dose rate level of 12.5 µSv/h) may be attained in an extractor cascade with 50 stages. End products of the extraction reprocessing are nitrate solutions of vanadium and chromium and titanium hydroxide. The expediency of the radiochemical reprocessing of the alloy or its burial may be determined after the technical and economic comparison of these processes.