Extraction of actinides from a chloride medium using pentaalkylpropanediamides
- Commissariat a l`Energie Atomique DCC/DPR/SEMP/SECP, Fontenay-aux-Roses (France)
Pyrometallurgical processes for the purification of plutonium for defense create waste solutions containing actinides, mainly americium, in chloride medium. Studies have been undertaken to study the extraction of actinides in a chloride medium (hydrochloric acid mixed with concentrated salts such as LiCl, CaCl{sub 2}, MgCl{sub 2}, KCl) using pentaalkylpropanediamides as extractants. Plutonium(IV) is very easily extracted, but Am(III) needs a salting-out agent such as LiCl. Back extraction of trivalent cations is easy in HCl < 5 {und M}. Plutonium(IV) and (VI) can be stripped by reduction either with ascorbic acid or hydroxylammonium salts in a weak-acid medium. Several diluents can be used (aromatic, chlorinated, or even aliphatic) with addition of decanol to prevent third-phase formation. In conclusion, diamides can be used for declassification of various wastes, they are potentially completely incinerable, and, as the synthesis has been optimized, they appear to be promising extractants.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 145126
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-911049--
- Journal Information:
- Separation Science and Technology, Journal Name: Separation Science and Technology Journal Issue: 1-3 Vol. 28; ISSN 0149-6395; ISSN SSTEDS
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Chemistry research and development. Progress report, July 1977--April 1978
Aqueous recovery of plutonium from pyrochemical processing residues