Technetium separation for future reprocessing

Asakura, Toshihide; Hotoku, Shinobu ; Ban, Yasutoshi  ; Matsumura, Masakazu; Morita, Yasuji  

Tc extraction and separation experiments were performed basing on PUREX technique with using spent UO fuel with burn-up of 44 GWd/t. The experimental results were examined with performing calculations by a simulation code ESSCAR (Extraction System Simulation Code for Advanced Reprocessing). It was demonstrated that Tc can be almost quantitatively extracted from a dissolver solution and that Tc can also be almost quantitatively recovered by scrubbing. Further, it was clearly presented from the calculation results of ESSCAR that the extraction mechanism of Tc is dominated by the synergistic effect of Zr and U.