Method for dissolving delta-phase plutonium

Patent · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:868418

Karraker, David G ^[1]

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1. 1600 Sherwood Pl., SE., Aiken, SC 29801

A process for dissolving plutonium, and in particular, delta-phase plutonium. The process includes heating a mixture of nitric acid, hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) and potassium fluoride to a temperature between 40.degree. and 70.degree. C., then immersing the metal in the mixture. Preferably, the nitric acid has a concentration of not more than 2M, the HAN approximately 0.66M, and the potassium fluoride 0.1M. Additionally, a small amount of sulfamic acid, such as 0.1M can be added to assure stability of the HAN in the presence of nitric acid. The oxide layer that forms on plutonium metal may be removed with a non-oxidizing acid as a pre-treatment step.

• Research Organization: WESTINGHOUSE SAVANNAH RIVER CO
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: Karraker, David G. (1600 Sherwood Pl., SE., Aiken, SC 29801)
• Patent Number(s): US 5135728
• OSTI ID: 868418
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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