Applications of MP-1 anion exchange resin and Eichrom LN resin in berkelium-249 purification

Purification of berkelium-249 (Bk-249) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory requires a multi-step process with Bk Finishing as the final step. The current multi-process takes 6-7 months, including similar to 3 months spent on Bk Finishing. Recent trials of using columns of either LN resin or MP-1 anion exchange resin adsorbing the tetravalent Bk-249(4+) in 8 M HNO3-0.5M NaBrO3, followed by eluting impurities (e.g. Ce4+, Cf3+) and stripping Bk-249 resulted in a new dual column method of selectively separating Bk-249 from other trans-curium elements and fission product impurities, which is proposed to replace the current Bk Finishing with higher Bk purification efficiency and shorter processing period. This paper displays the experimental results and describes the dual column method with relevant chemistry issues.