Michael Andrew Vest

US Patent:

54826888, Jan 9, 1996

Filed:

Feb 7, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/193380

Inventors:

Michael A. Vest - Oak Park IL
Samuel D. Fink - Aiken SC
David G. Karraker - Aiken SC
Edwin N. Moore - Aiken SC
H. Perry Holcomb - North Augusta SC

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

B01F 100

US Classification:

423 20

Abstract:

A two-step process for dissolving plutonium metal, which two steps can be carried out sequentially or simultaneously. Plutonium metal is exposed to a first mixture containing approximately 1. 0M-1. 67M sulfamic acid and 0. 0025M-0. 1M fluoride, the mixture having been heated to a temperature between 45. degree. C. and 70. degree. C. The mixture will dissolve a first portion of the plutonium metal but leave a portion of the plutonium in an oxide residue. Then, a mineral acid and additional fluoride are added to dissolve the residue. Alteratively, nitric acid in a concentration between approximately 0. 05M and 0. 067M is added to the first mixture to dissolve the residue as it is produced. Hydrogen released during the dissolution process is diluted with nitrogen.