Application of SAFT-VRE in the Flowsheet Simulation of an Advanced PUREX Process
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Abstract
SAFT-VRE is an extension of the statistical associating fluid theory for potentials of variable range (SAFT-VR) that can be used to describe the thermodynamic properties of strong-electrolyte solutions. Here the SAFT-VRE method is used in a flowsheet simulation code to calculate the densities of uranyl-nitric acid aqueous solutions and the activities of species that are needed for the calculation of the distribution coefficients of nitric acid and uranium in the nitric acid – 30 % tributyl phosphate (TBP) extraction system that is used in an advanced PUREX process for the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels. Simulation results of both single stage extraction experiments and of a multistage flowsheet test showed that the SAFT-VRE method can be used in flowsheet simulations with a reasonable accuracy, thus demonstrating for the first time that thermodynamically based meso-scale SAFT-VRE models can be linked to the macro-scale model of the PUREX solvent extraction process.
Bibliographical metadata
Original language | English |
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Journal | Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research |
Early online date | 11 Feb 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |