Simulation Experiment on Recovering Plutonium Ion From Pyrochemical Salt Residues by Liquid Cathod Method

The liquid cathod method was used for recovering cerium ion from NaCl-KCl-CeCl₃ molten salt, as simulation experiment of recovering plutonium ion from pyrochemical salt residues. The effects of the initial mass fraction of CeCl₃, temperature and cathod current density (D_k) on the electrolytic index were studied. The optimum technological conditions were determined. At CeCl₃ initial mass fraction 5%, electrolytic temperature 750 ℃ and D_k=0.10 A/cm², the decontamination coefficient is above 130, and the mass fraction of CeCl₃ in residues is below 0.04%. The results confirm that the liquid cathod method is expected to be used for recovering plutonium ion from pyrochemical salt residues.