Development of the ERIX process for reprocessing spent FBR-MOX fuel. A study on minor actinides separation process

Minor actinides (MA=Am and Cm) separation process in ERIX process was studied. Group separation of MA and lanthanides (Ln) from a simulated HLLW was examined at 25degC. Ru(III), Rh(III), and Mo(VI) passed through TODGA column without adsorption. Sr(II) was eluted by 0.05 M HNO3, Nd(III) and Sm(III) were eluted by H2O, respectively. Am(III) and Cm(III) were also eluted by water between Nd(III) and Sm(III) and were sufficiently separated from other FP. Finally, Y(III) and Zr(IV) were recovered by DTPA solution and 0.5 M oxalic acid, respectively. Most elements were recovered quantitatively except Ru(III). iso-Bu-BTP extraction resin showed high selectivity for Am(III) and most of typical FP were not adsorbed from nitric acid solution. This new resin exhibited applicable stability against heat and γ-irradiation. Furthermore, conceptual design of MA separation process was estimated. Effective MA/Ln separation process contributed to totally compact separation process. This MA separation process utilized compact equipments and generated less waste. (author)