Batch flowsheet test for a GANEX-type process: the CHALMEX FS-13 process

The Chalmers grouped actinide extraction (CHALMEX) process is focused on the co-separation of actinides from all other elements in spent nuclear fuel solution, with the ultimate purpose of transmuting the actinides into shorter-lived and less radiotoxic elements. Based on solvent extraction equilibrium distribution data of actinides and fission products, a preliminary flowsheet was developed and tested in batch mode. The flowsheet consists of one extraction step with the CHALMEX FS-13 solvent (25 mM CyMe4-BTBP in 30% v/v TBP and 70% v/v FS-13), using hydrophilic masking agents (20 mM bimet and 0.2 M mannitol) in the aqueous phase for the complexation of troublesome fission products. Two nitric acid scrub steps (0.5 M HNO3) were efficient in removing co-extracted acid, all molybdenum and the majority of silver. Two stripping stages (0.5 M glycolic acid at pH 4) were efficient in recovery of the actinides from the organic phase. The need for a solvent clean-up stage for the removal of nickel, cadmium, iron and the remaining silver from the organic phase was demonstrated. Based on the distribution data, it was calculated that a 99.9% recovery of americium is possible using only 3 ideal extraction stages, 3 ideal scrubbing stages and 2 ideal stripping stages.