Separation of Transmutation - and Fission-Produced Radioisotopes from Irradiated Beryllium

Journal Article · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 UTC 2011 · Nuclear Technology

OSTI ID:1031749

Tranter, Troy J; Tillotson, RIchard D; Mann, Nick R; Longhurst, Glen R

The primary objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of a two-step solvent extraction-precipitation process for separating transmutation and fission products from irradiated beryllium. Beryllium metal was dissolved in nitric and fluoroboric acids. Isotopes of 241Am, 239Pu, 85Sr, 60Co, and 137Cs were then added to make a surrogate beryllium waste solution. A series of batch contacts was performed with the spiked simulant using chlorinated cobalt dicarbollide and polyethylene glycol diluted with sulfone to extract the isotopes of Cs and Sr. Another series of batch contacts was performed using a combination of octyl (phenyl)-N,Ndiisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide in tributyl phosphate diluted with dodecane for extracting the isotopes of Pu and Am. The 60Co was separated by first forming a cobalt complex and then selectively precipitating the beryllium as a hydroxide. The results indicate that greater than 99.9% removal can be achieved for each radionuclide. Transuranic isotope contamination levels are reduced to less than 100 nCi/g, and sources of high beta-gamma radiation (60Co, 137Cs, and 90Sr) are reduced to levels that will allow the beryllium to be contact handled. The separation process may be applicable to a recycle or waste disposition scenario.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-05ID14517
• OSTI ID: 1031749
• Report Number(s): INL/JOU-10-18568
• Journal Information: Nuclear Technology, Journal Name: Nuclear Technology Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 176; ISSN 0029-5450; ISSN NUTYBB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
BERYLLIUM
COBALT
CONTAMINATION
DODECANE
FISSION PRODUCTS
FLUOROBORIC ACID
IRRADIATION
LIQUID WASTES
OXIDES
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOLS
PRECIPITATION
RADIATIONS
RADIOISOTOPES
REMOVAL
SOLVENT EXTRACTION
SULFONES
TBP
TRANSMUTATION
WASTES
beryllium
fission product removal
transuranic