ADVANCES IN ACTINIDE AND TECHNETIUM KINETICS FOR APPLICATIONS IN PROCESS FLOWSHEET MODELING

Abstract

The kinetics of actinide and technetium redox reactions are important in many separations processes; for instance, in the reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuel by the Purex process. In this process, the kinetics of reactions in both aqueous nitric acid and organic tributyl phosphate (TBP) solutions are important. Kinetic data are particularly necessary for the computer simulation of flowsheets and become increasingly important as the residence times in extraction contactors are reduced. Although a large body of literature exists, some potentially important process reactions have not been sufficiently studied for modeling purposes. Additionally, if new redox reagents are to be considered for process applications, their rates of reaction need to be determined. A program of work has been undertaken to: This paper summarizes recent studies, including: