Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange in the Nuclear Fuel Industry

The student is introduced to the hydrometallurgical techniques of solvent extraction and ion exchange. These procedures have been used in the nuclear industry since the forties for both the front and back ends of the fuel cycle. He is first briefed about the aqueous chemistry of uranium, plutonium, and the fission products and then shown how adjustment of oxidation state and solution variables such as pH can be used for separation procedures. Practical processes are discussed.