Batch flowsheet test for a GANEX-type process: the CHALMEX FS-13 process. Issue 3 (16th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lyseid Authen, Thea; Wilden, Andreas; Schneider, Dimitri; Kreft, Fabian; Modolo, Giuseppe; StJ Foreman, Mark R.; Ekberg, Christian
• Is Part Of: Solvent extraction and ion exchange. Volume 40:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 202
• Publication Date: 2022-04-16
• Subjects: GANEX -- chalmex -- recycling -- reprocessing -- partitioning; Solvent extraction -- Periodicals; Ion exchange -- Periodicals; 660.284248
• DOI: 10.1080/07366299.2021.1890372
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-6299

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Chalmers grouped actinide extraction (CHALMEX) process is focused on the co-separation of actinides from all other elements in spent nuclear fuel solution, with the ultimate purpose of transmuting the actinides into shorter-lived and less radiotoxic elements. Based on solvent extraction equilibrium distribution data of actinides and fission products, a preliminary flowsheet was developed and tested in batch mode. The flowsheet consists of one extraction step with the CHALMEX FS-13 solvent (25 mM CyMe4 -BTBP in 30% v/v TBP and 70% v/v FS-13), using hydrophilic masking agents (20 mM bimet and 0.2 M mannitol) in the aqueous phase for the complexation of troublesome fission products. Two nitric acid scrub steps (0.5 M HNO3 ) were efficient in removing co-extracted acid, all molybdenum and the majority of silver. Two stripping stages (0.5 M glycolic acid at pH 4) were efficient in recovery of the actinides from the organic phase. The need for a solvent clean-up stage for the removal of nickel, cadmium, iron and the remaining silver from the organic phase was demonstrated. Based on the distribution data, it was calculated that a 99.9% recovery of americium is possible using only 3 ideal extraction stages, 3 ideal scrubbing stages and 2 ideal stripping stages.