COMPARISON OF CATION EXCHANGE RESINS FOR RECOVERING AMERICIUM AND PLUTONIUM FROM CHLORIDE SALTS

ABSTRACT

Macroreticular and microreticular cation exchange resins were compared for their capability of recovering americium and plutonium from solutions of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium chlorides. Americium and plutonium breakthrough capacity and elution behavior of the resins were determined. Of the resins tested, Dowex MSC-1 was selected as the most efficient because of its favorable capacity and excellent elution behavior. Actinide eluting agents were also studied. More concentrated (9.0M) nitric acid was found to elute plutonium faster than 7.0MHNO₃used previously while 7.0MHNO₃-0.1MNaNO₂eluted americium fastest.