Advanced electrorefiner design
A combination anode and cathode is described for an electrorefiner which includes a hollow cathode and an anode positioned inside the hollow cathode such that a portion of the anode is near the cathode. A retaining member is positioned at the bottom of the cathode. Mechanism is included for providing relative movement between the anode and the cathode during deposition of metal on the inside surface of the cathode during operation of the electrorefiner to refine spent nuclear fuel. A method is also disclosed which includes electrical power means selectively connectable to the anode and the hollow cathode for providing electrical power to the cell components, electrically transferring uranium values and plutonium values from the anode to the electrolyte, and electrolytically depositing substantially pure uranium on the hollow cathode. Uranium and plutonium are deposited at a liquid cathode together after the PuCl{sub 3} to UCl{sub 3} ratio is greater than 2:1. Slots in the hollow cathode provides close anode access for the liquid pool in the liquid cathode. 6 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Chicago, IL (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,531,868/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-267,949; TRN: 96:015249
- OSTI ID:
- 253867
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 2 Jul 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Advanced electrorefiner design
Electrorefining process and apparatus for recovery of uranium and a mixture of uranium and plutonium from spent fuels