Process for decomposing nitrates in aqueous solution

Patent · Tue Sep 30 00:00:00 EDT 1980

OSTI ID:6481069

Haas, P A

This invention is a process for decomposing ammonium nitrate and/or selected metal nitrates in an aqueous solution at an elevated temperature and pressure. Where the compound to be decomposed is a metal nitrate (E.G., a nuclear-fuel metal nitrate), a hydroxylated organic reducing agent therefor is provided in the solution. In accordance with the invention, an effective proportion of both nitromethane and nitric acid is incorporated in the solution to accelerate decomposition of the ammonium nitrate and/or selected metal nitrate. As a result, decomposition can be effected at significantly lower temperatures and pressures, permitting the use of system components composed of off-the-shelf materials, such as stainless steel, rather than more costly materials of construction. Preferably, the process is conducted on a continuous basis. Fluid can be automatically vented from the reaction zone as required to maintain the operating temperature at a moderate value-e.g., at a value in the range of from about 130*-200* C.

• Assignee: Department of Energy
• Patent Number(s): US 4225455
• OSTI ID: 6481069
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

052001* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Waste Processing
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS
AMMONIUM NITRATES
AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
DISPERSIONS
ENERGY SOURCES
FUELS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MIXTURES
NITRATES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NUCLEAR FUELS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
PROCESSING
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
REACTOR MATERIALS
SOLUTIONS
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES