Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has developed a method for co-extraction of cesium and strontium from acidic solutions using a mixture of commercially available crown ether and calixarene extractants that exhibit high radiation and chemical stability.
This is an efficient solvent extraction process for the simultaneous removal of cesium and strontium from dissolved spent nuclear fuel and acidic nuclear waste streams. Combined use of these two extractants in one process represents a novel approach to partitioning these elements in a single, convenient manner. Simultaneous solvent extraction of these radioactive elements is desirable for waste management concerns because the process provides purified cesium and strontium in a form easily concentrated or solidified, high levels of decontamination, high removal factors and a simplified chemical scheme. Removal of cesium and strontium from commercial spent nuclear fuel waste streams has numerous benefits.
This process will be more easily employed and produces less secondary wastes than that of current cesium/strontium extractants under consideration. It would replace existing solvents used in competing small-scale tests that have negative attributes in a large-scale process.
More info: Gary W. Smith, 208-526-3780
