Plutonium Recovery from Nitric Acid Regeneration Solutions Using AXIONIT VPA Vinylpyridinium Anion-Exchange Resins

Abstract

Vinylpyridinium anion-exchange resins AXIONIT VPA-1 and AXIONIT VPA-2, synthesized by AO Axion—Rare and Noble Metals, were tested in plutonium recovery from nitric acid regeneration solutions formed in the course of waste treatment and equipment decontamination at the plant. The physicochemical characteristics of the resin samples were determined, and optimum conditions were found for the Pu sorption from nitric acid solutions. The static and total exchange capacities of the resins for Pu and the maximal rate of solution filtration at which Pu is efficiently taken up by the resins were determined. Multicycle column trials under laboratory conditions have shown that AXIONIT VPA-2 anion-exchange resin ensures efficient recovery of Pu from nitric acid regeneration solutions. Preliminary trials of AXIONIT VPA-2 resin on a commercial sorption installation gave positive results.