Reaction analysis of MOX co-deposition in oxide electrowinning process

Sato, Fuminori ; Mizuguchi, Koji; Nakanishi, Shigeyuki; Myochin, Munetaka

MOX co-deposition process, which is one of the main parts of oxide electrowinning process, was studied by both sides of examination and analysis. Parameter tests using U and Pu were performed as basic examination, and fundamental data of the process such as polarization property of molten salt including U and Pu, current efficiency of electrolysis and PuO concentration in recovered deposit, etc. were acquired. In addition, to analyze the process behavior, especially polarization property at electrolysis, a reaction model considering Pu, Pu, UO, UO, PuO and PuOin molten NaCl-2CsCl salt was developed. The validity of this model was confirmed by comparison of the experimental and analytical results. Using this model behavior of chemical species in the process was studied and control factors of MOX co-deposition process were discussed.