Methods and apparatus for selective gaseous extraction of molybdenum-99 and other fission product radioisotopes
US9076561B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for producing and extracting Mo-99 and other radioisotopes from fission products that overcome the drawbacks of previously-known systems, especially the excessive generation of radioactive wastes, by providing gas-phase extraction of fission product radioisotopes from a nuclear fuel target using a mixture including halide and an oxygen-containing species with heat to convert the fission product radioisotopes to gas (e.g., Mo-99 to MoO2Cl2 gas). The gaseous species are evacuated to a recovery chamber where the radioisotopes solidify for subsequent processing, while the substantially intact uranium target made available for further irradiation and extraction cycles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.