Process for producing an aggregate suitable for inclusion into a radiation shielding product
US6120706A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG21F9/304
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention is directed to methods for converting depleted uranium hexafluoride to a stable depleted uranium silicide in a one-step reaction. Uranium silicide provides a stable aggregate material that can be added to concrete to increase the density of the concrete and, consequently, shield gamma radiation. As used herein, the term "uranium silicide" is defined as a compound generically having the formula U.sub.x Si.sub.y, wherein the x represents the molecules of uranium and the y represent the molecules of silicon. In accordance with the present invention, uranium hexafluoride is converted to a uranium silicide by contacting the uranium hexafluoride with a silicon-containing material at a temperature in a range between about 1450.degree. C. and about 1750.degree. C. The stable depleted uranium silicide is included as an aggregate in a radiation shielding product, such as a concrete product.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.