The exploration of U(VI) concentration improvement in carbonate medium for alkaline reprocessing process

Chenxi Hou; Mingjian He; Meng Zhang; Haofan Fang; Hui He; Caishan Jiao

Nuclear Engineering and Technology (Feb 2024)

The exploration of U(VI) concentration improvement in carbonate medium for alkaline reprocessing process

Chenxi Hou,
Mingjian He,
Meng Zhang,
Haofan Fang,
Hui He,
Caishan Jiao

Affiliations

Chenxi Hou: College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, PR China
Mingjian He: College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, PR China
Meng Zhang: College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, PR China
Haofan Fang: College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, PR China
Hui He: College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Department of Radiochemistry, China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing, 102413, PR China; Corresponding author. College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, PR China.
Caishan Jiao: College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Corresponding author.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 56, no. 2
pp. 419 – 425

Abstract

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The purpose of this study is to improve the concentration of U(VI) in carbonate solution reasonably, which to improve the application potential of the alkaline reprocessing processes. The dissolution behavior of U3O8 in carbonate peroxide solutions was investigated under different conditions, including pH, carbonate concentration, and solid-liquid ratio. The results showed that the dissolution rate of U3O8 increased with the increase of pH from 8 to 11 in the mixed carbonate solution containing 0.5 mol/L H2O2. The role of carbonate ions in the dissolution of U3O8 was further elucidated by observing the dissolution of UO4·4H2O in carbonate solutions. Furthermore, the concentration of U(VI) in 3 mol/L Na2CO3 solution was successfully increased to 350 g/L under ultrasonic-assisted conditions at 60 °C and a solid-liquid ratio at 1/2 g/mL. Meanwhile, it is suggested that increasing the concentration of carbonate ions can improve the stability of the dissolved solution containing uranyl peroxycarbonate complex.

Published in Nuclear Engineering and Technology

ISSN: 1738-5733 (Print)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Korea, Republic of
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering: Nuclear engineering. Atomic power
Website: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/nuclear-engineering-and-technology

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