METHOD AND MEANS FOR ELECTROLYTIC PURIFICATION OF PLUTONIUM

Patent · Tue Apr 18 23:00:00 EST 1961

OSTI ID:4024555

A method is described for electrodepositing Pu from a fused halide salt bath at temperatures less that 600 deg C and for purifying Pu reactor fuels from fission products. In this method, a low-temperature bath of PuCl/sub 3/ and one or two of the chlorides of Li, Na, and K are electrolyzed with an anode cup containing a Pu alloy and an iron cathode. Since the eutectic of Pu-Fe alloy is at 410 to 430 deg C, a molten PuFe alloy forms at the cathode and drips down into a container below the cathode. The advantages of the method are that at the low temperatures, oxidation problems are avoided and the alloy is deposited in a massive form instead of a powdery form. An electrolytic cell for use with the method is described. (D.L.C.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-15-017027
• OSTI ID: 4024555
• Report Number(s): GB 865737
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CHEMISTRY
ELECTRODEPOSITION
ELECTROLYSIS
ELECTROLYTIC CELLS
FISSION PRODUCTS
FUELS
FUSED SALTS
HALIDES
IRON
LITHIUM
PLUTONIUM
PLUTONIUM ALLOYS
PLUTONIUM CHLORIDES
POTASSIUM
PREPARATION
SODIUM
TEMPERATURE