Application of an experimental design to optimize a segregation method of ¹²⁹I and ¹⁴C

In this work, the optimization of a segregation method of ¹²⁹I and ¹⁴C, two long-living radionuclides, main constituents of nuclear radioactive waste, has been developed. To be able to carry out this project, a fractional factorial experimental design was applied using 5 factors and 2 levels by factor (2^5-2). Only 8 experiments were necessary to identify the variables affecting the process, and very good recoveries of both radionuclides were obtained: (94 ± 2)% for ¹²⁹I, and (99 ± 1)% for ¹⁴C. The segregation of ¹²⁹I was influenced by flow (Q), volume of H₂SO₄ (V_H+), and carriers (CR), while V_H+ and time (t) played a major role in the segregation of ¹⁴C. (author)