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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method of stripping plutonium from tributyl phosphate solution which contains dibutyl phosphate-plutonium stable complexes

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7269867

Fast breeder fuel elements which have been highly burnt-up are reprocessed by extracting uranium and plutonium into an organic solution containing tributyl phosphate. The tributyl phosphate degenerates at least partially into dibutyl phosphate and monobutyl phosphate, which form stable complexes with tetravalent plutonium in the organic solution. This tetravalent plutonium is released from its complexed state and stripped into aqueous phase by contacting the organic solution with an aqueous phase containing tetravalent uranium. 6 claims, 1 drawing figure.

Assignee:
Gesellschaft fuer Kernforschung mbH
Patent Number(s):
US 3949049
OSTI ID:
7269867
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English