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U.S. Department of Energy
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METHOD AND MEANS FOR ELECTROLYTIC PURIFICATION OF PLUTONIUM

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4166397

The technique of electrodepositing pure plutonium from a fused salt electrolyte of PuCl/sub 3/ and aixati metal halides is described. When an iron cathode is used, the plutonium deposit alloys therewith in the liquid state at the 400 to 600 deg C operating temperature, such liquid being allowed to drip through holes in the cathode and collect in a massive state in a tantallum cup. The process is adaptable to continuous processing by the use of depleted plutonium fuel as the anode: good to excellent separation from fission products is obtained with a Pu--Fe "fission" anode containing representative fractions of Ce, Ru, Zr, La, Mo, and Nb.

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-14-015715
Assignee:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Patent Number(s):
US 2923670
OSTI ID:
4166397
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English