Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
tAbLe 2.7
Comparison of PUReX and tHoReX Process
Feature
PUReX Process (PHWR fuel)
tHoReX Process (J-rods in Research Reactor)
Feed composition
~300 g/L U + ~1 g/L Pu + MA
a
+ FPs
b
in 3 M HNO
3
~200 g/L Th + ~200 mg/L U + FPs in 4 M HNO
3
Extractant
30% TBP in
n
-dodecane
5% TBP in
n
-dodecane
Principal radionuclide
Pu (
239
Pu)
U (
233
U)
Precursor of principal radionuclides
239
Np (
t
1/2
= 2.3 d)
233
Pa (
t
1/2
= 27 d)
Separation schemes
Co-extraction of Pu(IV) and U(VI) preferentially
over MAs and FPs; scrub cycle to improve DF
from FPs; partition of Pu(III) from U(VI)/U(IV)
Preferential extraction of U(VI) over Th(IV) and
FPs; scrub cycle to improve DF from Th as well
as FPs
LOC and stoichiometry of extracted species of the
bulk elements
>120 g/L U
UO
2
(NO
3
)
2
∙ 2TBP
25 g/L Th
c
Th(NO
3
)
4
∙ 3TBP
Production of long-lived minor actinides
Signiicant
Negligible
Radiologically important radionuclide
241
Pu(14.9 y)-
241
Am (433 y)
232
U(72 y)-
228
Th (2 y) decay to
212
Bi/
208
Tl
a
Minor actinides.
b
Fission products.
c
In 1M TBP.
