Flowsheet Feasibility Studies Using ABEC Resins for Removal of Pertechnetate from Nuclear Wastes

A flowsheet for the extraction and immobilization of 99TcO4 - from radioactive wastes has been developed. The three-stage flowsheet comprises selective sorption of 99TcO4 - by ABEC resins, secondary concentration of 99TcO4 - from H2O by a nonselective silica-based anion-exchange resin, and encapsulation and immobilization of the radionuclide-loaded anion-exchange resin in hydrous titanium oxide microspheres. Each process has been independently tested, and the results are discussed. The utility of this flowsheet in the extraction and immobilization of 99TcO4 - from alkaline radioactive wastes, neutralized nuclear fuel reprocessing streams, alkaline vitrification off-gas scrubber solutions, and solvent wash stages from the treatment of acidic high-level wastes is also presented.