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Title: Laboratory-scale study of electrolytic reduction of uranium oxides

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6755808

An exploratory study was undertaken to investigate potential improvements in the electrolytic reduction of uranium oxide to the metal. Potential advantages of the electrolytic procedure over existing chemical reduction processes are (1) lower operating temperatures, which alleviate materials problems and heating requirements, (2) removal of most impurities, and (3) elimination of solid by-product wastes. The results showed that UO/sub 2/ can be reduced electrolytically in a molten LiF-KF-NaF-CaF/sub 2/-UF/sub 4/ electrolyte at 975/degree/C, and at current densities from 500 to 900 mA/cm/sup 2/. The metallic uranium product was collected as a solid deposit on a molybdenum or uranium cathode rod. 14 refs., 20 figs., 3 tabs.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
6755808
Report Number(s):
ANL-88-29; ON: DE89001031
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English