Abstract
In a previous publication, the authors described a chromatographic process for the selective separation of fission products and minor actinides from uranium and plutonium in nitric acid solution. This paper has evaluated commercially available ion exchange materials for capacity, rate of uptake and selectivity for some fission products (inactive) and cerium (iii) and (iv) as surrogate for Pu and U. The fission products studied where Cs, Sr and Zr as these for various reasons present major challenges for the existing PUREX process and waste management. The commercial resins evaluated were various sulfonic acid, chelate ion exchangers and an undisclosed inorganic material all supplied by Purolite Ltd.
Highlights
The potential for extractive chromatography as a replacement and/or complementary reprocessing option to the PUREX process has been previously described [1]
This paper evaluates the potential of commercially available ion exchangers for the separation of Sr, Cs, Co and Zr ions from Ce (iii/iv) ions the surrogates for Pu and uranium [2]
The uptake of ions is higher for the more charged species, so zirconium (IV) is more retained than cerium (IV)>cerium (III)>strontium (II)>copper and cobalt (II)>caesium (I); this sequence is consistent with previously measured selectivities for sulphonic acid resins [16]
Summary
The potential for extractive chromatography as a replacement and/or complementary reprocessing option to the PUREX process has been previously described [1]. UCLan’s process involves the separation of fission products and minor actinides from uranium and plutonium isotopes in 1 to 3 M nitric acid. This paper evaluates the potential of commercially available ion exchangers for the separation of Sr, Cs, Co and Zr ions from Ce (iii/iv) ions the surrogates for Pu and uranium [2]. These fission product cations were selected as: 1. Their chemistries and behaviour are different, 2. They account for a significant amount of β/γ activity present in spent fuel dissolver liquor, 3. Zr is responsible for significant challenges in the PUREX process [3]
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