Electrolysis: processes – compositions used therein – and methods – Electrolytic process involving actinide series elements or... – Uranium
Reexamination Certificate
2006-03-14
2006-03-14
Wilkins, III, Harry D. (Department: 1742)
Electrolysis: processes, compositions used therein, and methods
Electrolytic process involving actinide series elements or...
Uranium
Reexamination Certificate
active
07011736
ABSTRACT:
A improved device and process for recycling spent nuclear fuels, in particular uranium metal, that facilitates the refinement and recovery of uranium metal from spent metallic nuclear fuels. The electrorefiner device comprises two anodes in predetermined spatial relation to a cathode. The anodese have separate current and voltage controls. A much higher voltage than normal for the electrorefining process is applied to the second anode, thereby facilitating oxidization of uranium (III), U+, to uranium (IV), U+4. The current path from the second anode to the cathode is physically shorter than the similar current path from the second anode to the spent nuclear fuel contained in a first anode shaped as a basket. The resulting U+4oxidizes and solubilizes rough uranium deposited on the surface of the cathode. A softer uranium metal surface is left on the cathode and is more readily removed by a scraper.
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Gay Eddie C.
Miller William E.
Tomczuk Zygmunt
Alwan Joy
Anderson Thomas G.
Gottlieb Paul A.
The United States of America as represented by the United States
Wilkins, III Harry D.
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