Process for reducing beta activity in uranium

Patent · Thu Apr 11 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5535756

Briggs, G G; Kato, T R; Schonegg, E

This invention is a method for lowering the beta radiation hazards associated with the casting of uranium. The method reduces the beta radiation emitted from the as-cast surfaces of uranium ingots. The method also reduces the amount of beta radiation emitters retained on the interiors of the crucibles that have been used to melt the uranium charges and which undergone cleaning in a remote handling facility. The lowering of the radioactivity is done by scavenging the beta emitters from the molten uranium with a molten mixture containing the fluorides of magnesium and calcium. The method provides a means of collection and disposal of the beta emitters in a manner that reduces radiation exposure to operating personnel in the work area where the ingots are cast and processed. 5 tabs.

• Research Organization: NLO, Inc., Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76OR01156
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): None
• Application Number: ON: DE86013803
• OSTI ID: 5535756
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360101* -- Metals & Alloys-- Preparation & Fabrication
ACTINIDE ISOTOPES
ACTINIDE NUCLEI
ACTINIDES
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CALCIUM COMPOUNDS
CALCIUM FLUORIDES
CALCIUM HALIDES
CASTING
DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
DAYS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
ELEMENTS
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
FABRICATION
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HEAVY NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS
MAGNESIUM FLUORIDES
METALS
NUCLEI
RADIOISOTOPES
SEPARATION PROCESSES
THORIUM 234
THORIUM ISOTOPES
URANIUM