| 摘要 |
<p><PICT:0934734/III/1> Organic solvents used in the processing of irradiated nuclear fuel products, are regenerated and freed from fissile and fertile materials by treating with nascent-hydrogen, and then extracting the material with an aqueous solvent, e.g. dilute H2SO4. In an example, a solvent mixture, tributyl phosphate and kerosene containing Ru, Nb, and Zr values is admitted through a pipe 15 to a mixing chamber 11 containing sulphuric acid. A current passes between a platinum anode spiral 19 and a mercury pool cathode 21, generating nascent-hydrogen. By agitation, an emulsion layer 22 is formed, and the aqueous phase cycles through a lower port 14 into the outer settling chamber 12, and re-enters the mixing chamber through an upper port 13. The aqueous extract is drawn off from time to time through a suction device 23, and the regenerated solvent through a pipe 16. This may be re-cycled and given a final wash with sodium carbonate solution. Alternatively, hydrogen may be generated by a zinc-mercury couple and an acid electrolyte.</p> |
