Method of separation of uranium from plutonium

摘要

Uranium and plutonium are separated from one another by contacting a tributyl phosphate organic phase containing uranyl nitrate and plutonium (IV) nitrate with an aqueous phase containing nitrate and sulphate anions so that plutonium selectively passes into the aqueous phase. The organic phase may be a mixture of 20% tributyl phosphate in dodecane and may contain 0.005-5 grams/litre Pu and 10-130 grams/litre U. The sulphate ions in the aqueous phase are provided by sulphuric acid or a soluble sulphate. The contacting is suitably carried out in a multiple-stage arrangement of mixer-settlers.