Development and characterization of small-scale washing systems for removal of depleted uranium oxides

Abstract

Researchers from the Mississippi State University Institute for Clean Energy Technology (MSU-ICET) and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) have identified procedures and methodologies for identifying leaching solutions to assist in the removal of depleted uranium (DU) oxides from contaminated soils. They developed a benchscale leach system to optimize leaching procedures and methodologies. This study identified that a 2 molar (M) acetic-acid solution with a 15% (v/v) 0.3 M hydroxylamine hydrochloride solution could remove approximately 70% of the uranium in the soil sample. Pretreating the soil with 3 M hydrochloric acid improved leaching efficiency to approximately 90%. The MSU-ICET research team developed the preliminary design of a mobile leaching system based on the hydrochloric-acid pretreatment followed by 2 M acetic acid / 15% (v/v) 0.3 M hydroxylamine hydrochloride leaching method. The trailer heap leach system is designed to be used on-site, eliminating the need for additional transport of radioactive, contaminated soils. This will reduce the risk of radioactive exposure for personnel and will eliminate potentially serious transportation accidents. DISCLAIMER:The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents.DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR. DISCLAIMER:The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents.

Corrosion and migration of zero-valent depleted uranium products in soil

“…However, the remaining portion, the contaminated soil fines, are difficult to remediate by physical separation. Other soil remediation options include acid leaching processes (Gavrilescu et al 2009;Unz et al 2018), which could result in formation of additional oxidized material if metallic DU remains in the soil. These leaching processes have been determined to be capable of removing at least 90% of the DU oxides from the soil fines.…”