Stability studies of GANEX system under different irradiation conditions

Abstract

To demonstrate the robustness of extraction systems against radiolytic degradation is nowadays one of the limiting points to ensure a safe and stable operation for advanced nuclear fuel strategies. In this paper, is addressed the stability of one of most promising extractants (TODGA, N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyldiglycolamide) but also the importance of designing realistic model to simulate and study the degradation of the systems. For that, new irradiations experiments were carried out where mixture between phases and the oxygen content have been taken into account. Extraction behaviour and composition of the organic phases after γ-irradiation have been measured and compared. Although TODGA studies are applicable to many processes currently under development, this work is focus on Grouped Actinides Extraction (GANEX) process development.