Method of separating trivalent actinides and rare earth elements

Abstract

A method is provided for separating trivalent actinides and rare earth elements in the TRUEX method using a CMPO-TBP mixed solvent. The method of separating trivalent actinides and rare earth elements comprises a trivalent actinide/rare earth extraction step wherein trivalent actinides and rare earth elements are extracted by a solvent from highly acid waste generated by reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, a nitric acid removal step wherein the nitric acid concentration of the solvent used to extract the trivalent actinides and rare earth elements is reduced, and a separation step wherein the trivalent actinides and rare earth elements contained in the solvent of low nitric acid concentration, are separated from each other.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.