REMOVAL OF N-TRIBUTYL PHOSPHATE FROM SYNTHETIC INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL WASTE

Experiments were carried out on the removal of n-tributyl phosphate (T BP) from the synthetic effluents of intermediate level waste (ILW). Th e candidate materials selected for this study were XAD-4 resin, Tulsio n-A-72 MP resin, activated charcoal, and polyurethane foam. These mate rials were characterized for their distribution coefficients of TBP in a TBP-ethanol-water medium. XAD resin and PU foam showed better remov al of TBP. To understand the mechanism of removal of TBP by the candid ate materials, such physical properties as specific surface area, pore size distribution, and zeta potentials were determined. The zeta pote ntial of the TBP in an ethanol-water medium was measured. The pore siz e distribution compared to the specific surface area and surface charg es of the samples played an important role in the removal of TBP. XAD- 4 resin was used in column studies for the removal of TBP from synthet ic ILW. About 13,500 bed volumes of ILW could be passed before a 0.1% breakthrough capacity was attained.