Application of turbidity measurement for evaluation of two-phase separation in ,-dialkylamides-nitric acid systems

Tsutsui, Nao  ; Ban, Yasutoshi  ; Hakamatsuka, Yasuyuki; Urabe, Shunichi; Matsumura, Tatsuro  

,-Dialkylamides are promising alternative extractants to tri--butyl phosphate in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels, but the two-phase separation between their organic and aqueous phases has not been evaluated quantitatively. ,-Di(2-ethylhexyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanamide (DEHDMPA) in -dodecane were agitated with uranyl nitrate-containing nitric acid, and their turbidities and their uranium distribution ratios were measured with respect to the time for the quantitative evaluation. Increasing DEHDMPA, uranium, and nitric acid concentrations enhanced turbidities. Although turbidities decreased with respect to the time, uranium distribution ratios slightly changed, indicating the observed turbidities did not affect these uranium distribution ratios significantly. Therefore, DEHDMPA may act as suitable extractant for uranium in nitric acid from two-phase separation viewpoint, and turbidity may be an indicator for extractant performance evaluation.