Improved isotope separation process

Purpose: To improve separation efficiency in the separation of uranium isotopes through anion exchange resins, by using a solution incorporated with a specified component such as alcohols. Method: The method comprises supplying a solution (solution A) consisting of an oxidizing solution incorporated with alcohols or carboxylic acids or hydroxycarboxylic acids to an ion exchange resin column to adsorb the same to the resin, then supplying a solution (solution B) containing uranous substance added to the solution A to form an adsorption region, then successively supplying solution of a reduction agent (solution C) and developing in a replacing manner to thereby obtain depleted uranium on the oxidation surface and enriched uranium on the reduction surface. Addition of alcohol, carboxylic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid to the solution in such a manner can increase the affinity of the solution to the ion exchange resin, improve the permeability of the solution, decrease the disturbance in the solution and make the boundary surface clearer between the oxidation and the reduction to improve the separation effciency for the isotopes. (Seki, T.)