Extraction of DBP and MBP from Actinides: Application to the Recovery of Actinides from TBP--Na sub 2 CO sub 3 Scrub Solutions

摘要

A flowsheet for the recovery of actinides from TBP--Na sub 2 CO sub 3 scrub waste solutions has been developed, based on batch extraction data, and tested, using laboratory scale counter-current extraction techniques. The process utilizes 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2-EHOH) to extract the TBP degradation products (HDBP and H sub 2 MBP) from acidified Na sub 2 CO sub 3 scrub waste leaving the actinides in the aqueous phase. Dibutyl and monobutyl phosphoric acids are attached to the 2-EHOH molecules through hydrogen bonds. These hydrogen bonds also diminish the ability of the HDBP and H sub 2 MBP to complex actinides and thus all actinides remain in the aqueous raffinate. Dilute sodium hydroxide solutions can be used to back-extract the dibutyl and monobutyl phosphoric acid esters as their sodium salts. The 2-EHOH can then be recycled. After extraction of the acidified carbonate waste with 2-EHOH, the actinides may be readily extracted from the raffinate with DHDECMP or, in the case of tetra- and hexavalent actinides, with TBP. The alcohol extraction (ARALEX) process is relatively simple and involves inexpensive and readily available chemicals. The ARALEX process can also be applied to other actinide waste streams which contain appreciable concentrations of polar organic compounds that interfere with conventional actinide ion exchange and liquid--liquid extraction procedures. (ERA citation 04:050413)