THE PILOT PLANT PRODUCTION OF ELECTROLYTIC URANIUM DIOXIDE
The electrolyte, containing uranyl chloride dissolved in molten NaCl/ KCl eutectic, is obtained by the direct chlorination of uranium oxide in sith in the fused salt, and electrolysis between graphite electrodes forms a crystalline deposit of UO/sub 2/ at the cathode. The deposition is carried out with either horizontally or vertically disposed electrodes, but the latter are preferred from the point of view of simplicity. An alternative process, using uranium ore concentrate as the starting material and involving three electrolytic stages is also described. The bulk of the impurities are removed in the flrst electrolysis in which anodic chlorination is used to improve the efficiency of the stage. The product, 99% pure, is treated in the same way as the pure oxide starting material, but a third electrodeposition, in which the UO/sub 2/ plated cathode is used as a soluble anode, is necessary to achieve the purity level required for nuclear fuel applications. The impurities found in the product are discussed in the context of their origin and their behavior in the process, particular reference being made to the rare earths. The process is capable of producing oxides within the range of composition UO/sub 2/ to UO/sub 2.5/. Conditions affecting this variation are described. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Impregnated Diamond Products, Ltd., Gloucester, Eng.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-019758
- OSTI ID:
- 4067680
- Journal Information:
- J. Less-Common Metals, Vol. Vol: 3; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-61
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
THE PREPARATION OF URANIUM DIOXIDE FROM A MOLTEN SALT SOLUTION OF URANYL CHLORIDE
CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE MECHANISM OF URANIUM ELECTROREFINING IN FUSED-SALT BATHS