Optimized Use of Multi-Purpose Fuel Processing Facilities at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant.

Abstract

Three cycles of solvent extraction are used at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant (ICPP) for purifying highly-enriched uranium generated from reprocessing highly radioactive fuel elements in various headend facilities. The first cycle of extraction usually employs TBP in this multi-purpose plant, and is followed by two extraction cycles using MIBK.Use of different solvents permits advantage to be taken of their respective characteristics for separating fission products from uranium; MIBK is more effective for zirconium whereas TBP is more of. ctive for ruthenium.• Five headend systems are currently available for dissolving spent fuel elements. Currently, these systems at the ICPP are operated sequentially, along with a waste solidification facility, to permit optimum use of manpower and facilities to result in lowest possible reprocessing costs. For instance, the continuous aluminum process and the first extraction cycle are operated concurrently while the other facilities are in standby and the first cycle product is being collected and stored.Then the second-and third-extraction cycles and product denitration unit are operated concurrently. When these fuel processing facilities are in standby, the waste solidification facility is operated to convert the radioactive waste solutions from the solvent extraction system to a safer, more compact granular solid. This type of alternating operation is believed ideal for a multi-purpose plant and in fact would be highly satisfactory for a single-purpose plant. In such a case, it is highly probable that only the fuel processing and waste solidification facilities would be operated alternately, however, to yield the most 'efficient-type operation.