Procedure 17. Separation of Np and Pu by Anion Exchange

This procedure is described for macro amounts of Pu and Np. It is based on the fact that Pu(III) is not adsorbed on anion exchange resin, while Np(IV) is strongly adsorbed at high HCl concentrations. The valence adjustment is done before adsorption on the column by dissolving the hydroxides in a concentrated HCl solution which has been saturated with NH I. The Np is removed from the column with 2 M HCl. The separation is quantitative and complete. 

5 cm diameter while a flow rate of 1 ml/min was maintained. The first 200 ml of 

HCl and the wash collected separately. No activity was found in a drop collected at 

The Np was finally eluted with 2M HCl. It was possible to follow the dark green 

Np(IV) and Pu(III) are adsorbed on the cation resin KUl or KU2 from 0.25 M HCl solution after reduction -with SO2 at boiling water temperatures. Np is eluted with 0.02 N HF and the Pu stripped with 0.5 N HF. 

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