NSTD Research Projects: TRP
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2005:
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2006:
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2007:
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2008:
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Annual Reports
TRP -> Campaign/Number -> TRP 29
TRP 29. Investigation of Optical Techniques for On-Line Materials Accountability in the Solvent Extraction Process
July 2005 - Current
Research Objectives & Methods
The goal of this project is to evaluate the application of optical spectroscopy techniques to the on-line, real-time measurement of the actinide elements and “cold” chemicals in the process streams of a solvent extraction process. Based on the experience gained through this effort, engineers will have the information necessary to decide if these technologies should be advanced to the prototype stage and tested at the pilot plant level. Through the experimental work planned as part of this effort, researchers will also develop a better understanding of the chemical interactions of the actinide elements, providing additional data for the development of first-principles based models of the solvent extraction process, expanding current thermochemical databases for the solvent extraction process, particularly in the off-normal operating regimes.
The research objectives are:
- To evaluate the potential for utilizing optical spectroscopy techniques to determine actinide concentrations under process conditions.
- To examine what process chemistry information can be extracted from the spectroscopic signals along with the actinide metal concentrations.
- To examine the fundamental chemistry underlying the spectroscopic behavior under process conditions in support of process chemistry modeling activities.
Researchers
- Gary Cerefice, Harry Reid Center
- Ken Czerwinski, Chemistry
Collaborators
- Allen Bakel, Argonne National Laboratory
- John Krebs, Argonne National Laboratory
- Monica Regalbuto, Argonne National Laboratory
- George Vandergrift, Argonne National Laboratory
Students
- Nicholas Smith, PhD, Radiochemistry
- Jamie Warburton, PhD, Radiochemistry
- Jeremy Maute, Undergraduate, Chemistry