An Analysis of the Transient and Steady-State Operation of a Countercurrent Liquid-Liquid Solvent Extraction Process

Groenier, W.S.; Rainey, R.H.; Watson, S.B.

doi:10.1021/i260071a005

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The purpose of this work was to illustrate the capability to improve safeguards models to estimate transient scenarios by introducing a simulation module that performs predictions of concentrations under varying conditions and provides a transient material balance for the solutes in the solvent extraction process. The solvent extraction module developed in this work used the distribution coefficients and mixer-settler contactor model of the SEPHIS (Solvent Extraction Process Having Interaction Solvents) code developed at ORNL [1,2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coupling a Transient Solvent Extraction Module with the Separations and Safeguards Performance Model

Almeida¹,

Birdwell²,

DePaoli³

et al. 2009

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A number of codes have been developed in the past for safeguards analysis, but many are dated, and no single code is able to cover all aspects of materials accountancy, process monitoring, and diversion scenario analysis. The purpose of this work was to integrate a transient solvent extraction simulation module developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, with the Separations and Safeguards Performance Model (SSPM), developed at Sandia National Laboratory, as a first step toward creating a more versatile design and evaluation tool. The SSPM was designed for materials accountancy and process monitoring analyses, but previous versions of the code have included limited detail on the chemical processes, including chemical separations. The transient solvent extraction model is based on the ORNL SEPHIS code approach to consider solute build up in a bank of contactors in the PUREX process. Combined, these capabilities yield a more robust transient separations and safeguards model for evaluating safeguards system design. This coupling and initial results are presented. In addition, some observations toward further enhancement of separations and safeguards modeling based on this effort are provided, including: items to be addressed in integrating legacy codes, additional improvements needed for a fully functional solvent extraction module, and recommendations for future integration of other chemical process modules.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coupling a Transient Solvent Extraction Module with the Separations and Safeguards Performance Model

Almeida¹,

Birdwell²,

DePaoli³

et al. 2009

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show abstract

“…[2,3]. This model was integrated into the SSPM code to provide solvent extraction chemistry in a more versatile plant model.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Separations and safeguards model integration.

Cipiti¹,

Zinaman²

2010

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Research and development of advanced reprocessing plant designs can greatly benefit from the development of a reprocessing plant model capable of transient solvent extraction chemistry. This type of model can be used to optimize the operations of a plant as well as the designs for safeguards, security, and safety. Previous work has integrated a transient solvent extraction simulation module, based on the Solvent Extraction Process Having Interaction Solutes (SEPHIS) code developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, with the Separations and Safeguards Performance Model (SSPM) developed at Sandia National Laboratory, as a first step toward creating a more versatile design and evaluation tool. The goal of this work was to strengthen the integration by linking more variables between the two codes. The results from this integrated model show expected operational performance through plant transients. Additionally, ORIGEN source term files were integrated into the SSPM to provide concentrations, radioactivity, neutron emission rate, and thermal power data for various spent fuels. This data was used to generate measurement blocks that can determine the radioactivity, neutron emission rate, or thermal power of any stream or vessel in the plant model. This work examined how the code could be expanded to integrate other separation steps and benchmark the results to other data. Recommendations for future work will be presented.4

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Nuclear Reactors, Chemical Reprocessing

Godfrey¹,

Hall²,

Townes³

2000

Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology

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The chemical reprocessing of discharged nuclear reactor fuel allows the large quantities of energy found in uranium and plutonium to be recycled back to the reactors while separating out the fission products as a waste stream. The PUREX process, used to recycle nuclear reactor fuel, was developed as part of the U.S. defense program. This process is described. The world's principal fuel reprocessing centers are located in the U.K., France, and Japan. Smaller units are operating in India. No chemical reprocessing takes place in the United States. Chemical reprocessing involves fuel decladding, mechanically cutting or shearing the tubing in which the nuclear fuel is encapsulated, and fuel dissolution, prior to chemical separation of the nonradioactive materials, the fission products, and the unburned fuel. Several types of countercurrent solvent extraction equipment are used to separate the useful components. The uranium and plutonium products are converted to oxides from which recycle fuel is fabricated. The wastes are safely stored for future disposal.

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An Analysis of the Transient and Steady-State Operation of a Countercurrent Liquid-Liquid Solvent Extraction Process

Cited by 6 publications

References 6 publications

Coupling a Transient Solvent Extraction Module with the Separations and Safeguards Performance Model

Coupling a Transient Solvent Extraction Module with the Separations and Safeguards Performance Model

Separations and safeguards model integration.

Nuclear Reactors, Chemical Reprocessing

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