Continuous multi-stage separation test of selective U extraction with mono-amide extractant of D2EHDMPA

Morita, Yasuji  ; Ban, Yasutoshi  ; Hotoku, Shinobu ; Suzuki, Shinichi; Kimura, Takaumi ; Komaki, Jun

A N,N-dialkylamide (mono-amide) can be used as an alternative to TBP and as a selective extractant for U(VI). A multistage continuous extraction test for U(VI) selective separation from a solution containing U, Pu and simulated fission products was performed using N,N-di(2-ethylhexyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanamide (D2EHDMPA). Results showed that the extracted ratio for U(VI) and Pu(IV) was 99.6% and 0.1%, respectively, and decontamination factor for Pu in back-extracted U fraction was 990. An extraction process for U separation with D2EHDMPA can be established without using any reagent except nitric acid.