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

Method for the recovery of uranium values from uranium tetrafluoride

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5626432

The invention is a novel method for the recovery of uranium from dry, particulate uranium tetrafluoride. In one aspect, the invention comprises reacting particulate uranium tetrafluoride and calcium oxide in the presence of gaseous oxygen to effect formation of the corresponding alkaline earth metal uranate and alkaline earth metal fluoride. The product uranate is highly soluble in various acidic solutions whereas the product fluoride is virtually insoluble therein. The product mixture of uranate and alkaline earth metal fluoride is contacted with a suitable acid to provide a uranium-containing solution, from which the uranium is recovered. The invention can achieve quantitative recovery of uranium in highly pure form.

DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76OR01156
Assignee:
EDB-83-175228; ERA-08-053472
Patent Number(s):
None
Application Number:
ON: DE83018011
OSTI ID:
5626432
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English