BARC/PUB/2013/1215

 
 

Dissolution of synthetic uranium dibutyl phosphate deposits in oxidizing and reducing chemical formulations

 
     
 
Author(s)

Rufus, A. L.; Sathyaseelan, V. S.; Narasimhan, S. V.; Velmurugan, S.
(W&SCD)

Source

Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2013. Vol. 254-255 (1): pp. 263-269

ABSTRACT

Permanganate and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) based dilute chemical formulations were evaluated for the dissolution of uranium dibutyl phosphate (U-DBP), a compound that deposits over the surfaces of nuclear reprocessing plants and waste storage tanks. A combination of an acidic, oxidizing treatment (nitric acid with permanganate) followed by reducing treatment (NTA based formulation) efficiently dissolved the U-DBP deposits. The dissolution isotherm of U-DBP in its as precipitated form followed a logarithmic fit. The same chemical treatment was also effective in dissolving U-DBP coated on the surface of 304- stainless steel, while resulting in minimal corrosion of the stainless steel substrate material. Investigation of uranium recovery from the resulting decontamination solutions by ion exchange with a bed of mixed anion and cation resins showed quantitative removal of uranium.

 
 
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