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The chemistry of fuel reprocessing: Present practices, future trends

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Abstract

The chemistry of reprocessing, the recovery and purification of plutonium from uranium and fission products produced in the fuel of a nuclear reactor, was surveyed and is described. Reprocessing presented unique chemical problems because of the intense radioactivity, the extreme degree of separation required, and the diversity of elements present. These challenges were met, and improved processes have evolved with time. After 50 years, improvements are still being introduced into the classical solvent extraction processes. In the future, integration of process steps across the entire fuel cycle and increased attention to waste management and environmental considerations are anticipated.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Post Office Box 2008, 37831-6268, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, (USA)

    D. O. Campbell

  2. Fuel Recycle Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Post Office Box 2008, 37831-6305, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, (USA)

    W. D. Burch

Authors
  1. D. O. Campbell
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  2. W. D. Burch
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Additional information

Research sponsored by the Office of Facilities, Fuel Cycle, and Test Programs, U.S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC05-84OR21400 with the Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.

Operated by Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy.

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Campbell, D.O., Burch, W.D. The chemistry of fuel reprocessing: Present practices, future trends. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, Articles 142, 303–320 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02039470

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02039470

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