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A single-step approach to nuclear reprocessing

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  1. nukeman
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    Journal article here So, I found this to be a very interesting study. Currently, nuclear reprocessing occurs via the PUREX Process, which uses nitric acid, tri-butyl phosphate, and a reducing...

    Journal article here

    So, I found this to be a very interesting study. Currently, nuclear reprocessing occurs via the PUREX Process, which uses nitric acid, tri-butyl phosphate, and a reducing agent to create a uranium product, a plutonium product, and a high-activity waste stream. While PUREX is a pretty good process, it has proliferation concerns, produces a relatively large volume of waste, and is poor in separating the minor actinides (neptunium, americium, and curium). There is also the potential for a red oil explosion. This new process being researched at Texas A&M simply dissolves the fuel in hot nitric acid (as is done currently in PUREX) and crystallizes the actinides out of solution, using sodium bismuthate to maintain the +6 oxidation state. The results indicate a homogeneous distribution of the other actinides within uranium crystals, along with a consistent ratio between uranium and the other actinide species. The lack of a separate plutonium stream increases proliferation resistance compared to PUREX. Additionally, the lack of an organic phase has the potential to simplify future flowsheets, increase process safety, and reduce waste generation.

    4 votes