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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

BISMUTH HYDROXIDE METHOD FOR RECOVERING PLUTONIUM

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4100938

A method for recovering plutonium from irradiated uranium is outlined in which bismuth hydroxide carrier precipitation is used following the usual bismuth phosphate precipitation method. The advantages of this method are that bismuth ions are already present in the solution, that bismuth hydroxide will carry down plutonium in either the reduced or oxidized state, rendering the reduction step optional, and that volume reduction facters greater than 300 are possible. The steps involved in this method are illustrated in four examples which give recoveries >90%; interfering iron may be removed by precipitation with sodium or potassium ferrocyanide. A flowsheet of the process is included. (D.L.C.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-15-006068
OSTI ID:
4100938
Report Number(s):
GB 853311
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English