Process integration stream splitting

While multi-product columns could be used to separate mixtures into products with distinct compositions, sharper separations usually require processing with multiple columns to achieve the desired splits and purities. A possible scheme would be to break down the separation process into a forward flowing series of single-feed, two-product distillation columns, each of which makes the separation between two key components. In a more complex multi-column approach, the process may include recycle streams, external separation-enhancing streams, stream splits, recombination of streams, energy integration, and so on, all aimed at achieving an economic optimum. 

Recently, the CO-EXtraction (COEX) process was proposed by AREVA-France (104). The COEX process initially coextracts all of the U and Pu, and subsequently splits them into a U stream and a Pu stream containing an equal amount of U. In addition, a hydrometallurgical co-conversion process is coinstalled in an integrated recycling plant, which produces homogenous mixed actinide oxides (105, 106). Thus, the PR is enhanced. 

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