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Use of polyethers in the treatment of acidic high activity nuclear wastes. Second progress report, June 1, 1977--May 31, 1978

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7013645· OSTI ID:7013645

Objective is to develop a solvent extraction process for treating acidic high activity nuclear wastes in order to remove 99.9% of the cesium and strontium. A series of macrocyclic polyethers ''crown'' compounds which have the ability to form organic soluble complexes with the alkali metals (Cs/sup +1/) and the alkaline earth metals (Sr/sup +2/) are being screened. These ''crown'' compounds have been tested for solubility in both CCl/sub 4/ and kerosene, each solvent containing a range of TBP concentrations. Also distribution coefficients of both cesium and strontium have been measured between these organic phases with individual ''crown'' compounds dissolved in them and an aqueous phase containing no acid or 0.0125M to 3M nitric acid. Other distribution coefficients for both metals have been measured in systems as above with DEHPA. Results show very good extraction of the Cs/sup +1/ and Sr/sup +2/ into the organic phase when DEHPA is used. The highest distribution coefficients obtained (organic/aqueous) were 0.8 +- .05 for Cs/sup +1/ and 2000 for Sr/sup +2/. The search for a more organic soluble ''crown'' compound continues as this would increase the amount of metal carried by the organic phase. For this reason, Parish Chemical Company in Provo, Utah is preparing a new ''crown'', 4, 4'(5') di-decyclohexo 24-crown-8 by hydrogenation of bis(4, 4'(5') decanoylbenzo) 24-crown-8. (DLC)

Research Organization:
South Carolina Univ., Columbia (USA). Coll. of Engineering
OSTI ID:
7013645
Report Number(s):
SRO-884-2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English