Solvent extraction process for reprocessing and minor actinides separation using CHON ligands

Matsumura, Tatsuro  ; Ban, Yasutoshi  ; Suzuki, Hideya; Tsubata, Yasuhiro   ; Hotoku, Shinobu ; Tsutsui, Nao  ; Suzuki, Asuka; Toigawa, Tomohiro   ; Kurosawa, Tatsuya*; Shibata, Mitsunobu*; Kawasaki, Tomohiro*; Ishii, Sho*

PUREX process was established for industrial scale reprocessing plant. TRUEX and the 4 group separation were developed for partitioning of minor actinides from high level liquid waste from reprocessing process, and demonstrated by the continuous extraction test using genuine high level liquid waste. Although the extractants for reprocessing and MA separation processes, such as tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP), n-octyl(phenyl)-N, N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) and diisodecylphosphoric acid (DIDPA), have excellent performance for recovery of U, Pu or MA, the molecules contain phosphorus which could be cause for the secondary waste from the solvent extraction processes. To minimize the radioactive waste from nuclear fuel cycle, we have conducted research and development of the new reprocessing and MA separation processes using innovative extractants in accord with CHON principle.