The accelerating rate calorimetry studies on the tributyl phosphate and nitric acid reactions at various acid concentrations revealed that the conditions for red oil formation may vary with acid strength. The accelerating rate calorimeter studies supplemented with FT-IR characterization of the end products confirmed the formation of red oil at temperatures as low as 75 °C. This study thus strongly advocates for a revisit of safety limits set in the fuel reprocessing plants to prevent red oil formation. The chemical pathway for red oil formation is worked out.

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The exothermic behavior of Tributyl Phosphate (TBP) with nitric acid at elevated temperatures is a serious cause of concern in nuclear industry as well as in various other industries where it is the principal extractant. In this study, the comparative study of thermal hazard of TBP and one of its major decomposition products, Dibutyl phosphate, (DBP) has been investigated under adiabatic conditions. Parameters such as comparative self-heat rate and pressure rise were deduced using world’s benchmark adiabatic calorimeter, Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC). FTIR spectrum of the products obtained after ARC experiments pertaining to TBP and DBP are compared.

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