Equilibration studies of an inorganic ion exchange material with liquid nuclear waste simulant using radiotracer techniques

Ion exchange distribution coefficients of zirconium, ruthenium, europium, and strontium, elements found in high level nuclear waste, were determined for a new titanium hydrous oxide-type inorganic ion exchange compound. Coefficients were determined at ambient temperatures and at 85°C. The equilibrations were done in solutions simulating the composition of nuclear waste expected from the Allied-General Nuclear services, Barnwell. South Carolina plant. The progress of each reaction was monitored by adding a radiotracer of the element investigated to the simulated waste solution. Ambient temperature distribution coefficients ranging from a high of 1.2·10⁶ for Zr to a low of 58 for Eu were obtained when equal weights of ion exchange material were used. Significantly higher distribution coefficients were found at 85°C than at ambient temperatures. This work was supported by the U. S. Energy Research Development Administration.