DEVELOPMENT OF A FAST AND EFFICIENT SEPARATION FOR SHORT-LIVED PLUTONIUM ISOTOPES PRODUCED IN ACCELERATOR-BASED IRRADIATIONS

ABSTRACT

A novel, fast and simple separation procedure is presented for separation of plutonium from lighter actinides and fission products. Classical methods, such as TTA-extraction and anion exchange resin techniques, were examined but failed to provide sufficient separation from lighter actinides. A successful procedure based on solid phase extraction chromatography was developed. Plutonium was effectively separated from interfering activities within 8 minutes using TEVA-resin®, a quaternary amine-based liquid anion exchanger sorbed on an inert support. Recoveries of about 70% were achieved for plutonium with decontamination factors of 10⁵ to 10s from neptunium, uranium and thorium.

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Notes on contributors

R. Sudowe

Institutfur Kemchemie, FB 15, Philipps-Universitat Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str., D-35043 Marburg/Lahn, Germany