Countercurrent extraction/stripping experiments using TDdDGA solvent extractant in a centrifugal contactors system

Kibe, Satoshi; Fujisaku, Kazuhiko*; Ambai, Hiromu ; Sakamoto, Atsushi  ; Sano, Yuichi   ; Takeuchi, Masayuki ; Suzuki, Hideya; Tsubata, Yasuhiro   ; Matsumura, Tatsuro  

The flowsheet with TDdDGA extractant has been being developed for recovering MA from PUREX raffinate. In the previous study, the yields of MA and other elements in countercurrent extraction/stripping experiments using mixer-settlers were not enough for the target and it would be due to the insufficient phase (aqueous/organic) separation. In this study, we carried out countercurrent experiments with surrogate PUREX raffinate using centrifugal contactors which had superior phase separation ability, and evaluated the extraction/stripping behavior of each element. During the operation, abnormal fluid behavior, such as overflow and entrainment, was not observed, and sufficient phase separation was achieved by centrifugal contactors. Extraction behavior of lanthanides was similar to that in mixer-settlers, but their stripping efficiencies decreased. This would be due to shorter residence time in mixing zone.