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Title: SEPARATION OF PLUTONIUM HYDROXIDE FROM BISMUTH HYDROXIDE

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4329793

An tmproved method is described for separating plutonium hydroxide from bismuth hydroxide. The end product of the bismuth phosphate processes for the separation amd concentration of plutonium is a inixture of bismuth hydroxide amd plutonium hydroxide. It has been found that these compounds can be advantageously separated by treatment with a reducing agent having a potential sufficient to reduce bismuth hydroxide to metalltc bisinuth but not sufficient to reduce the plutonium present. The resulting mixture of metallic bismuth and plutonium hydroxide can then be separated by treatment with a material which will dissolve plutonium hydroxide but not metallic bismuth. Sodiunn stannite is mentioned as a preferred reducing agent, and dilute nitric acid may be used as the separatory solvent.

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-13-001026
Assignee:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Patent Number(s):
US 2848301
OSTI ID:
4329793
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-59
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English