PREPARATION OF URANIUM TETRACHLORIDE

Technical Report · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1951

OSTI ID:4311111

Harrison, E R

A method is described for preparing kilogram quantities of UCl/sub 4/. The known disadvantages of alternative methods are commented upon, particularly when the UCl/sub 4/ is required for use in vacuo with ion arcs. Active UO/sub 2/ is chlorinated in the vapor phase with carbon tetrachloride at a temperature of 500 deg C. The UO/sub 2/ is contained within a closed reaction vessel to which is connected a reflux condenser. Initially, the CCl/sub 4/ is fed into the vessel at such a rate that relatively large quantities condense in the reflux condenser. Because of the escape of non-condensible exhaust gases most of the CCl/sub 4/ is trapped in the condenser and maintained in a state of agitation. The more volatile, higher valency chlorides formed are carried into the condenser and, owing to their solubility in CCl/sub 4/, are retained and eventually washed back into the reaction vessel. The U losses from such a system were approximately 0.1%. Quantities of 4 to 5 kilos were produced in a single operation; the nonvolatile content was estimated to be less than 3%. The UCl/sub 4/ was then heated in vacuo at 500 deg C for about 5 hours; the small sublimate, 2 to 3%, appeared to consist entirely of organic compounds. (auth)

• Research Organization: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority. Research Group. Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Berks, England
• NSA Number: NSA-12-005943
• OSTI ID: 4311111
• Report Number(s): AERE-GP/R-2409
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CARBON TETRACHLORIDE
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
CHLORINATION
EVAPORATION
HEATING
HIGH TEMPERATURE
IONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PRODUCTION
QUANTITY RATIO
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLUBILITY
URANIUM CHLORIDES
URANIUM DIOXIDE
VACUUM
VAPORS
VOLATILITY