Evaluation of fluoride, cerium(IV), and cerium(IV)--fluoride mixtures as dissolution promoters for PuO$sub 2$ scrap recovery processes

Technical Report · Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1975

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4184150· OSTI ID:4184150

Harmon, H D

Fluoride, cerium(IV), and cerium(IV)-fluoride mixtures were evaluated as promoters for nitric acid dissolution of unirradiated PuO$sub 2$ scrap. Fluoride was most effective in promoting rapid and complete dissolution of 80 to 160 g of PuO$sub 2$/liter of dissolvent. Cerium(IV) was unsuitable at the high PuO$sub 2$/ dissolvent ratios normally used in scrap processing because high Ce(IV) concentrations or a Ce(IV) regeneration process were required. Mixing Ce(IV) and fluoride at a ratio of 4 KF/Ce(IV) in 8M HNO$sub 3$ increased the PuO$sub 2$ dissolution rate at PuO$sub 2$ concentrations of less than 10 g/liter, but not at the desired high PuO$sub 2$/dissolvent ratios. The dissolution rate of PuO$sub 2$ scrap in HNO$sub 3$-F$sup -$ and HNO$sub 3$-Ce(IV) solutions was related inversely to the temperature of the PuO$sub 2$ fabrication process. (auth)

• Research Organization: Du Pont de Nemours (E.I.) and Co., Aiken, S.C. (USA). Savannah River Lab.
• NSA Number: NSA-33-002704
• OSTI ID: 4184150
• Report Number(s): DP--1383
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*PLUTONIUM DIOXIDE-- DISSOLUTION
*RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING-- DISSOLUTION
051101* --Nuclear Fuels--Waste Management--Waste Processing
CATIONS
CERIUM COMPOUNDS
CERIUM FLUORIDES
FLUORIDES
N40420 --Chemistry--Radiochemistry & Nuclear Chemistry--Properties of Radioactive Materials
N40430* --Chemistry--Radiochemistry & Nuclear Chemistry-- Radioactive Waste Treatment
N40450 --Chemistry--Radiochemistry & Nuclear Chemistry--Reactor Fuel Processing
NITRIC ACID
POTASSIUM FLUORIDES