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Title: METAL RECOVERY PROCESS

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4329540

A process is presented for the separation of plutonium from the niobium oxide which is frequently used as a carrier precipitate to separate the plutonium from solutions of dissolved fuel elements. The niobium oxide, plutonium bearing precipitate is treated with hydrogen fluoride converting the niobium to the volatile pentafluoride, while the plutonium is changed into the substantially non- volatile plutonium tetrafluoride. After the niobium has been removed, the plutonium tetrafluoride is reacted with elemental fluorine, converting it to a higher plutonium fluoride and this may in turn be volitilized away from any residual impurities.

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-12-006991
Assignee:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Patent Number(s):
US 2815265
OSTI ID:
4329540
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-58
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English