Selective extraction of lead from highly concentrated alkali metal and nitric acid solution by solvent extraction and ion exchange

Construction and hydrodynamic testing of a 24 foot tall by 2 inch diameter pulsed plate extraction column has been conducted. A twenty foot extraction section was fitted with 120 stainless steel nozzle plates spaced 2 inches apart. Hydrodynamic tests were performed using a 30% Tributyl Phosphate and 70% Dodecane solution (v/v) as the organic phase and 2N nitric acid as the aqueous phase. These tests produced flooding curves consistent with similar columns at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and the Hanford Nuclear Reservation (HNR) under the same operating conditions.;An 8 foot tall 2 inch diameter ion exchange column was constructed. The column was designed with a working bed depth of five feet. Flow distribution sections were fitted at the top and bottom of the column using 40;Liquid extraction agents were tested for the selective extraction of lead from a simulated sodium waste produced at the INEEL. This examination produced two extraction agents, Di-t-Butylcyclohexano-18-Crown-6 and Bis(2, 4, 4-Trimethylpentyl) Dithiophosphinic Acid (Cyanex 301;Commercial and synthesized ion-exchange agents were also tested to evaluate the extraction ability of lead in the simulant. Equilibrium tests were conducted via batch contact and isotherms were plotted to assess favorability. Of seven exchangers tested, the inorganic exchange material Polyantimonic Acid was the only agent found to selectively extract lead while maintaining ion-exchange capabilities. Distribution coefficients for lead ranged from 10...