Actions for Plutonium and americium recovery from spent molten-salt-extraction salts with aluminum-magnesium alloys

Email RIS file
Bookmark
Report an Issue

Plutonium and americium recovery from spent molten-salt-extraction salts with aluminum-magnesium alloys

Author
Cusick, M. J.
Published
United States : [publisher not identified], 1984
Springfield, Va.: National Technical Information Service, [approximately 1984]
Physical Description
microfiche : negative ; 11 x 15 cm
Additional Creators
Fitzpatrick, R. F. and Sherwood, W. G.

Availability

Browse Nearby on Shelf
I Want It
I Want It

Finding items...

Summary
Development work was performed to determine the feasibility of removing plutonium and americium from spent molten-salt-extraction (MSE) salts using Al-Mg alloys. If the product buttons from this process are compatible with subsequent aqueous processing, the complex chloride-to-nitrate aqueous conversion step which is presently required for these salts may be eliminated. The optimum alloy composition used to treat spent 8 wt % MSE salts in the past yielded poor phase-disengagement characteristics when applied to 30 mol % salts. After a limited investigation of other alloy compositions in the Al-Mg-Pu-Am system, it was determined that the Al-Pu-Am system could yield a compatible alloy. In this system, experiments were performed to investigate the effects of plutonium loading in the alloy, excess magnesium, age of the spent salt on actinide recovery, phase disengagement, and button homogeneity. Experimental results indicate that 95 percent plutonium recoveries can be attained for fresh salts. Further development is required for backlog salts generated prior to 1981. A homogeneous product alloy, as required for aqueous processing, could not be produced.
Report Numbers
DE84012560; RFP-3614
Other Subject(s)
Collection
NTIS collection.
Note
DOE contract number: AC04-76DP03533
OSTI Identifier 6907804
Research organization: Rockwell International Corp., Golden, CO (United States). Rocky Flats Plant.
View MARC record | catkey: 47342287