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Electrochemical method of producing eutectic uranium alloy and apparatus

Patent ·
OSTI ID:869697
 [1];  [2]
  1. Livermore, CA
  2. Oakridge, TN
+ Show Author Affiliations

An apparatus and method for continuous production of liquid uranium alloys through the electrolytic reduction of uranium chlorides. The apparatus includes an electrochemical cell formed from an anode shaped to form an electrolyte reservoir, a cathode comprising a metal, such as iron, capable of forming a eutectic uranium alloy having a melting point less than the melting point of pure uranium, and molten electrolyte in the reservoir comprising a chlorine or fluorine containing salt and uranium chloride. The method of the invention produces an eutectic uranium alloy by creating an electrolyte reservoir defined by a container comprising an anode, placing an electrolyte in the reservoir, the electrolyte comprising a chlorine or fluorine containing salt and uranium chloride in molten form, positioning a cathode in the reservoir where the cathode comprises a metal capable of forming an uranium alloy having a melting point less than the melting point of pure uranium, and applying a current between the cathode and the anode.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
Assignee:
United States of America as represented by Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
Patent Number(s):
US 5380406
OSTI ID:
869697
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (2)

Dissolution of Uranium Metal into Molten LiCl-KCl-UCl4 journal January 1975
Electrowinning rare-earth and uranium metals from their oxides journal December 1964

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/205/204/423/
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