[1H01-05] Isootope Separation

[1H01] Li-7 Enrichment Technology Development by MCCCE Method

(4) Current Status of Technology Development in 2022

*Mai Fukumori¹, Kaede Yamada¹, Makoto Hasegawa¹, Takashi Tsunada², Kenya Tanaka², Tadafumi Kishimoto³ (1. ATOX, 2. Pesco, 3. Osaka Univ.)

Keywords:MCCCE, Li-7, PWR, Russia

The pH of PWR primary cooling water is adjusted using LiOH, it is necessary to remove Li-6 and to enrich Li-7 thoroughly due to exposure management to radiation. Russia is only supplier of Li-7. However, this poses a security challenge from Ukraine problem too. The mercury amalgamation method used by to handle mercury poses an environmental challenge. To avoid such risks, a domestic supply system that takes into account these aspects is necessary. We focused on the multi-channel counter-current electrophoresis (MCCCE) method as an alternative enrichment technique to the existing methods. This method, the target isotopes are enriched by combining the capillary and counter-current methods of electrophoresis. An overview of the development of Li-7 enrichment by this method is presented.