Electron beam irradiation of r-SANEX and i-SANEX solvent extraction systems: analysis of gaseous products

Abstract

1-Octanol/kerosene mixtures and water contacted with organic solvents were used as model solutions for r-SANEX and i-SANEX extractions systems. Investigations aimed on a quantitative evaluation of gaseous products generated in these systems under exposure to an electron beam irradiation. Influence of O2, HNO3 and the presence of model ligands and complexes on the radiation chemical yields was studied. Relatively high G(H2) values (up to 420 nmol·J-1) for the organic phase compromise the safety issues of the extraction process and should be considered on the stage of extraction apparatus design. Based on the obtained results gaseous hydrocarbons seem to have negligible impact on safety issue. The upper limit of G(H2) values in water contacted with organic phase was established to be 85 nmol·J-1. This value is relatively low, however, the literature data indicate that G(H2) values measured in aqueous solutions are over twice higher for α-particles irradiation than for electron beam or γ-irradiation. Thus, further investigations of these systems are necessary.

Keywords

• electron beam irradiation
• radiolytic gaseous products
• gas chromatography
• sanex extraction systems