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Modeling of Pu(VI) distribution coefficients in 30 % TBP based PUREX process

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Abstract

Hexavalent plutonium (Pu(VI)) is an important solute in the PUREX (plutonium uranium extraction) process. In 30 % TBP based PUREX solvent extraction system, distribution coefficient of Pu(VI) is much lower than that of Pu(IV). This lower distribution coefficient of Pu(VI) may cause unexpected Pu loss during primary HA extraction in low acid flowsheets. An empirical model for Pu(VI) distribution coefficients in 30 % TBP and its temperature dependency has been reported in this paper. Comparison with literature data revealed a reasonably good agreement between the reported experimental and model predicted values.

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Abbreviations

H :

Acidity (mol/L)

K :

Equilibrium constant

k :

Parameter with embedded activity coefficients

k D :

Distribution coefficient

L :

Fractional loading of organic phase

PUREX:

Plutonium uranium extraction

TBP:

Tri-n-butyl phosphate

Aq :

Aqueous phase

Org :

Organic phase

f :

Free (uncomplexed)

References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Reprocessing R&D Division, Reprocessing Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam, 603102, India

    Shekhar Kumar & U. Kamachi Mudali

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  1. Shekhar Kumar
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  2. U. Kamachi Mudali
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Correspondence to Shekhar Kumar.

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Kumar, S., Kamachi Mudali, U. Modeling of Pu(VI) distribution coefficients in 30 % TBP based PUREX process. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 295, 1951–1955 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-012-2171-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-012-2171-6

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