THE USE OF URANIUM IV AS A REAGENT IN THE AQUEOUS PROCESSING OF IRRADIATED URANIUM
The stability, solvent extraction, and reducing power of uranous solutions were investigated in the presence of 3M nitric acid. Important differences in the chemistry of uranium IV compared with ferrous sulfamate include a partial re-oxidation of plutonium III in the presence of dissolved air and excess uranium IV, and the acceleration of the reduction of plutonium IV or VI at low acidity and by catalysts including the sulfate ion. The uranous, like the ferrous ion, must be stabilized against nitrite, e.g., with sulfamic acid or with hydrazine. Uranous sulfamate is a satisfactory alternative to ferrous sulfamate in the uranium purification cycle of a TBP process. It is only suitable for the primary separation of the plutonium, because of high residual levels of uranium, if these can be removed in the subsequent purification of the plutonium, e.g., by anion exchange. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. Research Group. Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Berks, England (United Kingdom)
- NSA Number:
- NSA-14-012640
- OSTI ID:
- 4193856
- Report Number(s):
- AERE-R-3158
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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