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Title: Solubility classification of airborne uranium products collected at the perimeter of the Allied Chemical Plant, Metropolis, Illinois

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5279389

Airborne uranium products were collected at the perimeter of the uranium-conversion plant operated by the Allied Chemical Corporation at Metropolis, Illinois, and the dissolution rates of these products were classified in terms of the ICRP Task Group Lung Model. Assignments were based on measurements of the dissolution half-times exhibited by uranium components of the dust samples as they dissolved in simulated lung fluid at 37/sup 0/C. Based on three trials, the dissolution behavior of dust with aerodynamic equivalent diameter (AED) less than 5.5 ..mu..m and collected nearest the closest residence to the plant was classified 0.40 D, 0.60 Y. Based on two trials, the dissolution behavior of dust with AED greater than 5.5 ..mu..m and collected at this location was classified 0.37 D, 0.63 Y. Based on one trial, the dissolution behavior of dust with AED less than 5.5 ..mu..m and collected at a location on the opposite side of the plant was classified 0.68 D, 0.32 Y. There was some evidence for adsorption of dissolved uranium onto other dust components during dissolution, and preliminary dissolution trials are recommended for future samples in order to optimize the fluid replacement schedule.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
5279389
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR-1316; PNL-3288; ON: TI86002734
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English