Current status of R&D on MA separation process using solvent extraction technique for partitioning and transmutation technology

Matsumura, Tatsuro  

The management of high-level radioactive waste is one of the most important issues for the sustainable use of fission energy. Partitioning and transmutation (P&T) technologies for high level waste (HLW) are expected to reduce the burden of disposal by reducing radiotoxicity and heat generation. Minor actinides (MA) have high priority for separation due to their long lifetime and high radio-toxicity. The new MA separation process using innovative extractants in accord with CHON principle has been developed in Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) for the P&T technology. The new nonorganophosphorus extractants which have appropriate extraction behaviors were developed. Continuous counter-current experiments of each solvent extraction process with genuine HLW were carried out using mixer-settler type extractors. This paper presents the current status of research and development of MA separation processes using solvent extraction methods at JAEA.