Separation of the rare-earth fission product poisons from spent nuclear fuel

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9428401
SERIAL NO

13622034

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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A method for the separation of the rare-earth fission product poisons comprising providing a spent nuclear fuel. The spent nuclear fuel comprises UO2 and rare-earth oxides, preferably Sm, Gd, Nd, Eu oxides, with other elements depending on the fuel composition. Preferably, the provided nuclear fuel is a powder, preferably formed by crushing the nuclear fuel or using one or more oxidation-reduction cycles. A compound comprising Th or Zr, preferably metal, is provided. The provided nuclear fuel is mixed with the Th or Zr, thereby creating a mixture. The mixture is then heated to a temperature sufficient to reduce the UO2 in the nuclear fuel, preferably to at least to 850° C. for Th and up to 600° C. for Zr. Rare-earth metals are then extracted to form the heated mixture thereby producing a treated nuclear fuel. The treated nuclear fuel comprises the provided nuclear fuel having a significant reduction in rare-earths.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
U S DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY1000 INDEPENDENCE AVENUE S W GC-62 6F-048 WASHINGTON DC 20585-0162

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Christian, Jerry D Idaho Falls, US 4 25
Sterbentz, James W Idaho Falls, US 3 27

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