PRODUCTION OF URANIUM DIOXIDE BY FLAME DENITRATION AND REDUCTION OF AQUEOUS URANYL NITRATE
Experimental work demonstrated that aqueous uranyl nitrate can be converted directly to uranium dioxide by direct contact with reducing gases. This process, called the flame denitration-reduction process, produces uranium dioxide having properties that indicate attractive potential use as: an intermediate oxide for the production of metalgrade uranium tetrafluoride, an intermediate in the production of feed material for the cascade operations, and a ceramic-grade uranium dioxide for the fabrication of oxide fuel elements. The versatility is made possible by a combination of properties, which, coupled with the fact that denitration and reduction are combined in one operation, indicate a potential economic advantage in processing rates and operating costs. The oxide was demonstrated as a good raw material for the electrolytic preparation of uranium metal. A pilot-plant flame denitration-reduction system was developed that will process up to 300 pounds of uranium per hour for extended periods. The principal operating problem as yet unsolved is the production of uranium dioxide with an assay in excess of 97%. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Mallinckrodt Chemical Works. Uranium Div., Weldon Spring, Mo.
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-023773
- OSTI ID:
- 4819084
- Report Number(s):
- MCW-1470
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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