Influence of γ-irradiation on Emulsification of Extraction System in TRPO Pr ocess

Emulsification of γirradiated TRPO extractant in TR PO process is investigated. A method to measure the degree of emulsification of the system is suggested. Results show that the main factors affecting emulsifica tion of the extraction system are pH value of equilibrated aqueous phase and the absorbed dose of extractant, the emulsification becomes more serious with the i ncrease of dose. The radiolytic products, which include alkylphosphonic and dial kylphosphinic acids and polymeric products, are synthesized or separated and add ed into the unirradiated 30%TRPOkerosene to study their influence on emulsif ication. It is found that the polymeric products produced by irradiation of TRPO keroseneHNO3 cause the emulsification. Emulsification phenomenon can be co ntrolled by adjusting acidity of washing water or/and by using centrifugal conta ctors as washing apparatus.