METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VOLUME CRYSTALLIZATION OF PLUTONIUM DIOXIDE Russian patent published in 2005 - IPC

FIELD: nuclear engineering.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method for volume crystallization of plutonium dioxide includes treatment of molten alkali-metal chlorides with plutonium compound dissolved therein, as well as treatment of melt obtained in the process by oxygen-containing gas mixture and precipitation of large-crystal plutonium dioxide on bath bottom. In the process closed-porosity graphite granules are disposed on melt surface, their contact with melt being afforded as they are consumed. Apparatus for volume crystallization of plutonium dioxide from molten alkali-metal chlorides with plutonium compound dissolved therein has bath, cover, melt mixing system, and device for feeding soluble plutonium compounds and gas mixture to melt. Bath, parts and assemblies contacting the melt are made of ceramic material shielded at melt boundary level with pyrographite parts. Gas mixture feeding devices have ceramic and pyrographite tubes.

EFFECT: enhanced durability of equipment.

3 cl, 4 dwg