The use of selective extraction chromatographic columns as an alternative to solvent extraction for the separation of uranium followed by the use of Arsenazo III as a calorimetric reagent for uranium determination

Technical Report · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10183134· OSTI ID:10183134

Miller, C J; Del Mastro, J R

The use of U/TEVA{reg_sign} Spec columns as an alternative to solvent extraction for separation of uranium prior to its determination by various techniques (calorimetric, phosphorescence, and mass spectroscopy) was investigated. U/TEVA{reg_sign} Spec columns have several advantages over the widely used 4-methyl-2-pentanone solvent extraction method. Among the advantages are: (1) no hazardous liquid organic waste, that creates regulatory waste disposal problems, is generated; (2) a clean separation of U from Zr, F, and fission products is obtained; (3) the sample preparation time is reduced; and (4) the exposure of analysts to ionizing radiation is reduced because the entire procedure may be performed in a hot cell using remote operations. This study also investigated the use of Arsenazo III (1,8-dihydroxynapthalene-3,6-disulfonic acid-2,7-bis [<-azo-2>-phenylarsonic acid]) as a calorimetric reagent to determine uranium concentrations over a wide range in waste streams and product streams at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant. Process and waste stream samples were passed through a U/TEVA{reg_sign} Spec column to selectively remove the uranium. The uranium bearing fraction is compatible with the pH range for color development with Arsenazo III. Arsenazo III may be added to the uranium fraction, at a 3:1 mole ratio (Arsenazo:Uranium) at the high end of the method (10 {mu}/mL). Arsenazo III forms a highly stable complex with uranium. Stability tests from this and other studies show that the colored complex of Arsenazo III with U(VI) forms within one minute and remains stable for several hours. The complex with U(VI) varies in color with pH. However, with excess reagent, the color is varying shades of purple. Since the samples were passed through a highly selective extraction chromatographic column prior to adding the calorimetric reagent, no interferences were observed.

• Research Organization: Lockheed Idaho Technologies Co., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-94ID13223
• OSTI ID: 10183134
• Report Number(s): INEL--94/0040; ON: DE96002849
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

050800
052001
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
EXTRACTION
EXTRACTION CHROMATOGRAPHY
EXTRACTION COLUMNS
IDAHO CHEMICAL PROCESSING PLANT
NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING
REMOTE HANDLING
REPROCESSING
SPENT FUELS
SPENT FUELS REPROCESSING
URANIUM
WASTE PROCESSING