Specialized metallurgical processes – compositions for use therei – Processes – Producing or treating free metal
Reexamination Certificate
2005-05-24
2005-05-24
Mai, Ngoclan T. (Department: 1742)
Specialized metallurgical processes, compositions for use therei
Processes
Producing or treating free metal
C376S170000, C376S182000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06896716
ABSTRACT:
A method for producing ultra-pure Pu-238 is provided. The method comprises the steps of short-term irradiating Am-241 targets with a high, thermal neutron flux greater than 6.5×1014neutrons cm−2s−1and more preferably greater than 1×1015neutrons cm−2s−1for a predetermined period of time preferably from 20 days to 30 days and more preferably approximately 25 days to convert a substantial fraction of the Am-241 to Cm-242, e.g., approximately 0.555 g of Cm-242 per g of Am-241 charged, thereafter promptly chemically separating the produced Cm-242, preferably within 10 days to 20 days of the irradiation cycle of the Am-241 targets and more preferably within about 15 days of the irradiation cycle of the Am-241 targets, and recovering the ultra-pure Pu-238 decay product of the separated Cm-242.
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Haselwood Enterprises, Inc.
Mai Ngoclan T.
Poteat Robert M.
Robert M. Poteat, P.C.
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