The transport of butyl phosphate extractants and actinides across the liquid:liquid interface determines the efficiency and effectiveness of solvent extraction processes. In addition, these species can organize at the phase boundary, sometimes leading to the formation of unwanted interfacial solids. Tributyl phosphate (TBP), an extractant in liquid:liquid reprocessing, undergoes radiolytic degradation, yielding dibutyl (DBP) and monobutyl phosphate (MBP). The solubilities and rates of transfer for these species vary as a function of diluent and process scale.<br/><br/>Kinetic parameters are being measured in real-time by spectroscopic monitoring in a two-phase solvent extraction system. The extraction apparatus is patterned after the Lewis Cell design, which has two stirred phases and a well-defined and controlled interface. The MBP, DBP, and TBP are measured using Raman spectroscopy. Both phases are equipped with the on-line monitoring providing direct, real-time measurement of degradation products and complexes moving from one phase to another within the extraction system.

Complexation and phase transfer kinetics of tributyl phosphate degradation products at the liquid:liquid interface during solvent extraction

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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