Preparation of a primary target for the production of fission products in a nuclear reactor

Patent · Tue Feb 24 04:00:00 EST 1976

OSTI ID:7290941

Arino, H; Cosolito, F J; George, K D; Thornton, A K

A primary target for the production of fission products in a nuclear reactor, such as uranium or plutonium fission products, is comprised of an enclosed, cylindrical vessel, preferably comprised of stainless steel, having a thin, continuous, uniform layer of fissionable material, integrally bonded to its inner walls and a port permitting access to the interior of the vessel. A process is also provided for depositing uranium material on to the inner walls of the vessel. Upon irradiation of the target with neutrons from a nuclear reactor, radioactive fission products, such as molybdenum-99, are formed, and thereafter separated from the target by the introduction of an acidic solution through the port to dissolve the irradiated inner layer. The irradiation and dissolution are thus effected in the same vessel without the necessity of transferring the fissionable material and fission products to a separate chemical reactor. Subsequently, the desired isotopes are extracted and purified. Molybdenum-99 decays to technetium-99m which is a valuable medical diagnostic radioisotope. 3 claims, 1 drawing figure.

• Assignee: Union Carbide Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 3940318
• OSTI ID: 7290941
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
220700* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Plutonium & Isotope Production Reactors
38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
400703 -- Radiochemistry & Nuclear Chemistry-- Radioisotope Production
DESIGN
FISSION PRODUCTS
IRRADIATION
IRRADIATION CAPSULES
ISOTOPE PRODUCTION
ISOTOPES
PRODUCTION
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOISOTOPES