Studies on actinide separation process from high-level liquid waste (Joint research)

Morita, Yasuji  ; Tachimori, Shoichi; Koma, Yoshikazu*  ; Aoshima, Atsushi* 

The present report describes the results of a joint study between Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) and Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI) on actinide separation process from high-level liquid waste. The purpose of the joint study is to point out common subjects in process development by an overall evaluation of each actinide separation process: TRUEX/SETFICS Process studied in JNC and DIDPA Extraction Process studied in JAERI. The result of the evaluation showed that both processes have common subjects to be studied in sub-processes such as treatment step for spent solvent or DTPA waste solution and solvent washing step for recycling, although the main process is different from each other. It is necessary to develop the sub-processes and to test the whole process including the sub-processes. Two essential requirements: the cost reduction and the minimization of secondary wastes, are very important in future research and development for more rational and effective actinide separation process.