STUDIES ON THE SEPARATION OF CESIUM-137 FROM THE ACIDIC FISSION-PRODUCT WASTE SOLUTIONS ON A NEW COMPLEX INORGANIC EXCHANGER (ZR-P-APW)

A new inorganic exchanger zirconiumphosphate-ammonium phosphotungstate (Zr-P-APW) has been synthesized in granular form suitable for column work. The K(d) values for different metal ions were determined and the affinity order was found to be Cs >> Rb > Zr > Ce > rare earths. Sodi um exchange capacity, pH-titration curve, breakthrough capacities for cesium (both in pure HNO3 and in different types of simulated nuclear wastes) and elution of cesium from the Zr-P-APW column have been studi ed. A selective method for the removal of cesium from other radioactiv e fission products has been developed. The exchanger was found to be s table to a gamma-radiation dose of 10(8) rads in presence and absence of 2M nitric acid.