Method for processing spent nuclear fuel comprising a step for decontaminating uranium (VI) from at least one actinide (IV) by complexing this actinide (IV)
US10210958B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2014 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/50
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for processing a spent nuclear fuel is disclosed which includes a step for decontaminating uranium(VI) from one or more actinides(IV) and more specially from neptunium and/or plutonium, by complexing this (these) actinide(s)(IV). This method includes a step for decontaminating uranium (VI) from at least one actinide(IV), which decontaminating step comprises at least one operation for stripping the actinide(IV) from an organic phase, not miscible with water, and wherein uranium(VI) and the actinide(IV) are present, by putting the organic phase into contact with an aqueous phase comprising nitric acid and at least one complexing agent which more strongly complexes actinides(IV) than uranium(VI), and then separating the organic phase from the nitric aqueous phase, wherein the at least one complexing agent is a diglycolamide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.