IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO THE PRODUCTION OF PLUTONIUM
A method is given for the continuous production of plutonium from its halides by reduction. In this method plutonium halides are reacted with an alkali or alkaline earth metal in a fused salt medium at a temperature above the melting point of plutonium. The reaction may be carried out in a cathodically protected tantalum column, in which case plutonium halide and reducing metal in the form of fused salt solutions are fed at an intermediate point and near the bottom, rsspectively, and plutonium metal is drawn off at the bottom. The preferred plutonium halide is PuF/sub 3/ or PuCl/sub 3/ and the preferred reducing material is calcium, barium, strontium, or lithium; several possible fused salt mediums are suggested. (D.L.C.)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-013261
- OSTI ID:
- 4076710
- Report Number(s):
- GB 863149
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-61
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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