Alternative solvents for cleaning plutonium: Thermodynamic and kinetic considerations
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- EG and G Rocky Flats, Inc., Golden, CO (United States). Rocky Flats Plant
Thermodynamic and kinetic data for selected reactions of plutonium metal are reevaluated as a basis for assessing the risk of a violent exothermic reaction during solvent-based cleaning operations. The enthalpy data are in disagreement with {Delta}H values reported in a recent overview of the topic. Our results show that all credible solvents, including ethers and light hydrocarbons, react spontaneously and exothermically with plutonium. The need for considering kinetic behavior of a reaction in assessing its thermal risk is demonstrated. The independence of thermodynamic and kinetic properties is discussed and the unpredictable effects of catalytic substances are described. Criteria for objectively evaluating cleaning technologies are presented. 15 refs., 3 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 10122636
- Report Number(s):
- LA-12255-MS; ON: DE92008107
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Mar 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
PLUTONIUM
CLEANING
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
ETHERS
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
ALKANES
400702
050900
PROPERTIES OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
TRANSPORT, HANDLING, AND STORAGE