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

A flowsheet for the extraction and immobilization of 99 TcO 4 - from radioactive wastes has been developed. The three-stage flowsheet comprises selective sorption of 99 TcO 4 - by ABEC resins, secondary concentration of 99 TcO 4 - from H 2 O 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 99 TcO 4 - 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.