Application of surrogate materials in process study of actinides

Conference · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:10191209

Raraz, A; Mishra, B ^[1]; Averill, W A ^[2]

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1. Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States). Kroll Inst. for Extractive Metallurgy
2. EG and G Rocky Flats, Inc., Golden, CO (United States). Rocky Flats Plant

Measurement of process parameters in reactive metals processing, such as actinides, is extremely difficult due to dynamic nature of system operating at high temperatures and under protective atmospheres. In addition, performing studies with radioactive strategic metals is, generally, prohibitively expensive with significant safety concerns. This study discusses the use of cerium metal to simulate the pyrometallurgical characteristics of plutonium. Design parameters relating to ceramic component arrangement, process parameters relating to electrolyte behavior and operating parameters relating to cell temperature, anode stirring speed, current density and back emf for electrorefining have been studied. Molten tin, gallium, iodine and antimony-cadmium alloy have also been used to study the different parameters involved. Validity and justification of these measurements has been discussed.

• Research Organization: EG and G Rocky Flats, Inc., Golden, CO (United States). Rocky Flats Plant
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC34-90DP62349
• OSTI ID: 10191209
• Report Number(s): RFP--4628; CONF-930202--1; ON: DE93002257
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360100
38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
400702
CERIUM
MATERIAL SUBSTITUTION
METALS AND ALLOYS
PLUTONIUM
PROPERTIES OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
PYROMETALLURGY
SIMULATION