ABSTRACT
Based on the current nuclear waste types, inventories, and production rates, the most viable option for closing the nuclear fuel cycle is solvent extraction. In solvent extraction, elements or groups of elements are separated to optimize reuse and disposition pathways. Initial efforts focused on isolation of plutonium and recovery of uranium for weapons production. In the 1980s, the research focus shifted to waste remediation, actinide recycling within the nuclear fuel cycle, and preparation of used nuclear fuel for final disposition. Processes for separating and isolating species and elements in used nuclear fuel are presented here, including standard (PUREX process), advanced (COEX process, etc.), and alternative (UREX+ process) processes. A brief background on language and parameters relevant to separations is presented before discussing extractant reagents, extraction processes, equipment utilized, and processing complications.
