PURIFICATION OF THORIUM OR URANIUM, OR THORIUM-URANIUM ALLOYS
An electrolytic method is given for purifying irradiated thorium, uranium, and thoriun - uranium alloys. In this method, an electrolytic cell is used in which the cathode is composed of one or more of the metals Zn. Cd, 8n, Pb. 8b, and Bi in the molten form and the electrolyte is a fused salt containing a salt of thorium and/or uraniun. The thorium and/or uranium that is deposited at the molten cathode forms an alloy therein, from which it is separated easily by volatilization of the cathode metal. In the preferred version of the method, both the cathode and anode are composed of the same molten metal, preferably zinc, with the anode covering completely the impure thorium and/or uranium so that the more noble impurities are retained in the anode while the thorium and/or uranium are electrolytically transferred to the cathode. The method has the advantages of economic feasibility, simplicity, and recovered metal purity. (D.L.C.)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-014365
- OSTI ID:
- 4052842
- Report Number(s):
- GB 862860
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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