Modification of the Process of Cesium Separation from the Product of the High-Temperature Treatment of Spent Fuel with Molybdenum Trioxide

Abstract

The technological scheme of cesium extraction from spent fuel before hydrometallurgical reprocessing is developing in order to reduce the heat dissipation and specific activity of spent fuel. The scheme includes the joint high temperature treatment of spent fuel and molybdenum trioxide, flushing the product with an alkali solution to remove cesium, and then dissolving the fuel in nitric acid. Implementation of this technology will allow reducing the cooling time of the spent fuel and reduce the radiation impact on personnel, equipment, and technological environment. This article presents the results of the experimental substantiation of the choice of temperature of the high-temperature treatment, comparative analysis of the efficiency of flushing solutions of different compositions, and determining the duration of the cesium fractionation process. The research was conducted in laboratory conditions with the use of spent fuel imitators and radionuclide markers.