Process for reducing beta activity in uranium

Patent · 01 January 1986

OSTI ID:875181

Briggs, Gifford G. ^[1]; Kato, Takeo R. ^[1]; Schonegg, Edward ^[2]

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1. Cincinnatti, OH
2. Cleves, OH

This invention is a method for lowering the beta radiation hazards associated with the casting of uranium. The method reduces the beta radiation emitted from the as-cast surfaces of uranium ingots. The method also reduces the amount of beta radiation emitters retained on the interiors of the crucibles that have been used to melt the uranium charges and which have undergone cleaning in a remote handling facility. The lowering of the radioactivity is done by scavenging the beta emitters from the molten uranium with a molten mixture containing the fluorides of magnesium and calcium. The method provides a means of collection and disposal of the beta emitters in a manner that reduces radiation exposure to operating personnel in the work area where the ingots are cast and processed.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): H000137
• Application Number: 06/722023
• OSTI ID: 875181
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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activity
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as-cast
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beta
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calcium
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uranium