Uranium isotopic enrichment

US4129481A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES · FR

Inventors

• Jacques Aubert · Pierrelatte, FR
• Maurice Carles · Pierrelatte, FR
• Roger Neige · Pierrelatte, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 11, 1977
• Grant date: Dec 12, 1978
• Expiry date: Feb 11, 1997

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D59/32
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A chemical process of isotopic enrichment of uranium makes use of isotopic exchange between an aqueous phase loaded with uranium III and another phase charged with uranium IV. Reduction and oxidation of uranium in aqueous phase are carried out using the same electrolyzer. Reduction may be by zinc amalgam which is later electrolytically reduced.