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Conversion of uranium nitrate to ceramic-grade oxide for the Light Water Breeder Reactor: process development (LWBR Development Program)

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7094748· OSTI ID:7094748

A limited study was made of an ''ADU'' process to make UO/sub 2/ for use as fissile material dissolved in ThO/sub 2/. A factorial study of precipitation included measuring the effects of initial nitric acid content of uranyl nitrate, the temperature of precipitation, the final pH of the solution, and time of digestion on the composition of the uranate cake and the surface area and tap density of the final powder. Studies of drying measured the effect of time, temperature, and grinding of the yellow cake on the surface area and tap density of the final powder. Effects of temperature and time were studied on the composition and surface area of ''UO/sub 3/'' made by heating ammonium uranate in argon. Effects on surface area of the temperature of reduction of uranate in H/sub 2/ were studied. Factors affecting stabilization of UO/sub 2/ powder were also studied, and the mechanism causing ignition of UO/sub 2/ was elucidated. (NSA 26: 31401)

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
7094748
Report Number(s):
ORNL-4755
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English