Chemistry: electrical and wave energy – Processes and products
Patent
1989-07-24
1991-02-26
Valentine, Donald R.
Chemistry: electrical and wave energy
Processes and products
204 64R, 204241, 204245, 204246, 204247, 204273, 204292, 204294, C25C 300, C25C 308, C25C 322
Patent
active
049959484
ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and process for reducing uranium and/or plutonium oxides to produce a solid, high-purity metal. The apparatus is an electrolyte cell consisting of a first container, and a smaller second container within the first container. An electrolyte fills both containers, the level of the electrolyte in the first container being above the top of the second container so that the electrolyte can be circulated between the containers. The anode is positioned in the first container while the cathode is located in the second container. Means are provided for passing an inert gas into the electrolyte near the lower end of the anode to sparge the electrolyte and to remove gases which form on the anode during the reduction operation. Means are also provided for mixing and stirring the electrolyte in the first container to solubilize the metal oxide in the electrolyte and to transport the electrolyte containing dissolved oxide into contact with the cathode in the second container. The cell is operated at a temperature below the melting temperature of the metal product so that the metal forms as a solid on the cathode.
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Burris Leslie
Poa David S.
Steunenberg Robert K.
Tomczuk Zygmunt
Fisher Robert J.
Moser William R.
The United States of America as represented by the United States
Valentine Donald R.
Weinberger James W.
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