SOLVENT-WASHING PROCESS USING BUTYLAMINE IN FUEL-REPROCESSING

Normal butylamine compounds are proposed as new solvent-washing reagen ts. The washing behaviors of plutonium, zirconium, ruthenium, and di-n -butyl phosphoric acid (HDBP) are examined in a new solvent-washing pr ocess with n-butylamine oxalate and n-butylamine bicarbonate. The expe rimental data show that pH condition has a significant influence on th e effectiveness of the washing. The oxalate effectively washed plutoni um and zirconium in low pH condition by making oxalate complexes. The oxalate and bicarbonate washed plutonium, zirconium, and ruthenium in high pH condition by replacing a nitrate ion with a hydroxide ion and HDBP by dissociation with the hydroxide ion.