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Actinides in ash can be leached effectively by refluxing with Ce(IV) in HNO/sub 3/; solubilization of actinide in ash was greater than or equal to 95% at ash concentrations to 30 g/l in stirred leachant. Plutonium and americium were the actinides present in the ash. Solubilized plutonium and americium were recovered from Ce(IV)-HNO/sub 3/ solution by solvent extraction. Extraction of plutonium into 30% tributyl phosphate in n-dodecane gave 99.99% recovery. The plutonium-depleted solution was then extracted with 30% dihexyl-N,N-diethylcarbamolylmethylenephosphonate (DHDECMP). Americium recovery was 99.64%. The Ce(IV)-HNO/sub 3/ system was compared with the HF-HNO/sub 3/ system now in common use. Advantages of the former included less equipment corrosion, no volatilization of silica, safe oxidation of carbon residues, minimal secondary waste (Ce is recycled), and better solubilization of actinide in the initial contact. However, additional contacts do not significantly improve solubilization, and a small fraction of actinide is not solubilized with Ce(IV)-HNO/sub 3/ that can be solubilized by HF-HNO/sub 3/. The effect of the fission product ruthenium on the dissolution of actinides in the Ce(IV)-HNO/sub 3/ system was investigated briefly, and a method for removing the ruthenium electrolytically was developed. Several process flowsheets were also considered. Actinide recovery requirements will suggest whichmore » of these might best be used. 6 figures, 7 tables.« less |
