Batch Tests for Optimisation of Solvent Composition and Process Flexibility of the CHALMEX FS-13 Process

A comparison on the use of DEHBA or TBP as extracting agent for tetra- and hexavalent actinides in the CHALMEX Process

The Chalmers Grouped ActiNide EXtraction process is a solvent extraction process for the homogeneous recycling of spent nuclear fuel. The use of TBP for the extraction of tetra- and hexavalent actinides can be problematic for several reasons, including troublesome degradation products causing crud formation, decreased extraction yield and the possibility of explosive red oil reactions. Here, the substitution of TBP by a N,N-dialkyl monoamide, DEHBA, is investigated. The findings suggest that DEHBA can be a suitable extracting agent for use in the CHALMEX solvent, although identified drawbacks need to be further investigated.

Gamma radiolytic stability of the novel modified diglycolamide 2,2'-oxybis(N,N-didecylpropanamide) (mTDDGA) for grouped actinide extraction

Reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel aims at improving resource efficiency and reducing its radiotoxicity and heat production in the long term. The necessary separation of certain metal ions from the spent fuel solutions can be achieved using different solvent extraction processes. For the scenario of the EURO-GANEX process, the use of the new, modified diglycolamide 2,2′-oxybis(N,N-didecylpropanamide) (mTDDGA) was recently proposed to simplify the current solvent composition and reduce extraction of fission products. Before further developing the process based on this new ligand, its stability under ionizing radiation conditions needs to be studied. For this reason, gamma irradiation experiments were conducted followed by analyses with high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS). The determined degradation rate of mTDDGA was found to be lower than that of the reference molecule N,N,N′,N′-tetra-n-octyl-diglycolamide (TODGA). Many identified degradation compounds of both molecules are analogues showing the same bond breaking, although also unreported de-methylation, double/triple de-alkylation and n-dodecane addition products were observed.

The radiolysis behavior of a new diglycolamide for solvent extraction of actinides and lanthanides was studied. The observed degradation rate was lower than for the reference molecule and 22 degradation compounds were identified.