Method for reducing volume of a radioactive composition

A method for separating a radioactive first component from a second component of a radioactive composition, comprising the steps of:

• a) directing the radioactive composition into a reaction zone, the reaction zone including a first molten metal phase and a second phase, in which a substantial portion of the radioactive composition dissolves in the first molten metal phase, and wherein oxidization of a dissolved component of the radioactive composition in the molten bath will cause migration of a component of the radioactive composition from the first molten metal phase to the second phase;
• and
• b) directing a first oxidizing agent into the first molten metal phase, whereby a dissolved component of the radioactive composition is oxidized, causing migration of a component of the radioactive composition from the first molten metal phase to the second phase, thereby separating the radioactive first component from the second component.

A method for separating a radioactive first component from a second component of a radioactive composition, comprising the steps of:

• a) directing the radioactive composition into a reaction zone, the reaction zone including a molten bath with a first molten phase and a second molten phase, wherein oxidation of the radioactive first component of the radioactive composition in the molten bath will cause separation of the radioactive first component from the second component;
• and
• b) directing a first oxidizing agent into the molten bath, whereby a radioactive component of the radioactive composition is oxidized, thereby causing separation of the radioactive first component from the second component by migrating from the first molten phase to the second molten phase.

A method for reducing the volume of a radioactive composition by separating a radioactive first component from a second component of the radioactive composition, comprising the steps of:

• a) directing the radioactive composition into a reaction zone, the reaction zone including a molten bath with a first molten phase and a second molten phase, wherein oxidation of a second component of the radioactive composition in the molten bath will cause separation of the radioactive first component from the second component;
• and
• b) directing a first oxidizing agent into the molten bath, whereby the second component of the radioactive composition is oxidized, thereby causing separation of the second component from the radioactive first component by migrating from the first molten phase to the second molten phase.