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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

PROCESS FOR THE REDUCTION OF PLUTONIUM

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4842838

In a known process for separating Pu from irradiated U, the mixture is dissolved in HNO/sub 3/, Pu(IV) and U(VI) nitrates are extracted by tributyl phosphate, and Pu(IV) is reduced to Pu(III) prior to back extraction with an aqueous solution. The reducing agent commonly used either is too slow (hydrazine or hydroxylamine) or results in the addition of Fe to Pu (ferrous compounds). These disadvantages can be avoided by using ascorbic acid, which effects rapid reduction of Pu(IV) even in the presence of HNO/sub 3/. (D.L.C.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-15-029299
OSTI ID:
4842838
Report Number(s):
CA 626591
Country of Publication:
Canada
Language:
English