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U.S. Department of Energy
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PREPARATION OF PLUTONIUM

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4236850

Methods are presented for the electro-deposition of plutonium from fused mixtures of plutonium halides and halides of the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. Th salts, preferably chlorides and with the plutonium prefer ably in the trivalent state, are placed in a refractory crucible such as tantalum or molybdenam and heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to 600 to 850 deg C, the higher temperatatures being used to obtain massive plutonium and the lower for the powder form. Electrodes of graphite or non reactive refractory metals are used, the crucible serving the cathode in one apparatus described in the patent.

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-14-002392
Assignee:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Patent Number(s):
US 2893928
OSTI ID:
4236850
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English