EVALUATION OF DI(2-ETHYLHEXYL)ISOBUTYRAMIDE (D2EHIBA) AS A PROCESS EXTRACTANT FOR THE RECOVERY OF ²³³U FROM IRRADIATED Th

ABSTRACT

Extraction behaviour of U(VI) and Th(IV) has been studied employing 0.5 M D2EHIBA (di(2-ethylhexyl)isobutyramide) in n-dodecane as a function of nitric acid concentration. An improved separation of U from Th could be achieved in the presence of fluoride ion. Use of 1 M Al(NO₃)₃ in 2 M HNO₃ has been suggested as the scrubbing solution. Various physico-chemical properties like density, viscosity, interfacial tension (IFT) and limiting organic concentration (LOC) of Th/U have been measured to evaluate the use of D2EHIBA as a process solvent. Degradation behaviour (acid hydrolysis as well as gamma radiolysis) of D2EHIBA under process conditions has been investigated using potentiometry as well as distribution studies.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Authors wish to thank Mr. S. Sriram, Radiochemistry Division, BARC and Dr. T. G. Srinivasan, Fuel Chemistry Division, IGCAR, Kalpakkam, India for their help during viscosity and interfacial tension measurements. They are also thankful to Dr. S. B. Manohar, Head, Radiochemistry Division, for his keen interest in the work.