Anion exchange process in acetic acid medium as a reconversion method for reprocessing of J-rods

In the earlier reprocessing campaign of J-rods (thorium metal and oxide pellets contained in Al cans; irradiated in the Cirus reactor), two reconversion methods namely anion exchange process in hydrochloric acid medium and oxalate precipitation route were followed. The product solution of 233U contained about 5% iron in addition to thorium impurity. In both the methods, thorium could be removed whereas iron impurity remained. Removal of iron impurity from the 233U oxide product required a subsequent solvent extraction method. In the present method of anion exchange separation, in acetic acid medium, both thorium and iron impurities are removed avoiding a separate solvent extraction purification. (author). 4 refs