David Heirs Hopson

US Patent:

55903916, Dec 31, 1996

Filed:

Jan 20, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/375631

Inventors:

Norman E. Brandon - Erwin TN
David R. Hopson - Jonesborough TN
Ronald J. Green - Hamilton OH
James H. G. Grimaud - Johnson City TN
Timothy J. Heagle - Johnson City TN
Kerry D. Schutt - Gray TN

Assignee:

Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. - Erwin TN

International Classification:

C01G 4300

US Classification:

423253

Abstract:

A process for reducing the concentration of fissionable uranium containing components of a feed material to below a target concentration level, the process having the steps of providing the feed material as an aqueous system of high-enriched uranyl nitrate hydrate (HE-UNH) wherein at least about 18% of the uranium therein is the. sup. 235 U isotope, providing an aqueous dilution medium containing natural uranyl nitrate hydrate (NUNH) wherein at least about 90% of the uranium therein is the. sup. 238 U isotope, forcing a diluent stream of the dilution medium through a jet pump to provide a suction region within the pump coextensive with the diluent stream, providing a feed fluid connection of the HE-UNH within the first vessel means with the suction region to cause a HE-UNH stream to flow into the suction region and intermix therein with the diluent stream to form a product stream of markedly reduced. sup. 235 U concentration.