RECOVERING AND RECYCLING URANIUM USED FOR PRODUCTION OF MOLYBDENUM-99

摘要

A processes for recycling uranium that has been used for the production of molybdenum-99 involves irradiating a solution of uranium suitable for forming fission products including molybdenum-99, conditioning the irradiated solution to one suitable for inducing the formation of crystals of uranyl nitrate hydrates, then forming the crystals and a supernatant and then separating the crystals from the supernatant, thus using the crystals as a source of uranium for recycle. Molybdenum-99 is recovered from the supernatant using an adsorbent such as alumina. Another process involves irradiation of a solid target comprising uranium, forming an acidic solution from the irradiated target suitable for inducing the formation of crystals of uranyl nitrate hydrates, then forming the crystals and a supernatant and then separating the crystals from the supernatant, thus using the crystals as a source of uranium for recycle. Molybdenum-99 is recovered from the supernatant using an adsorbent such as alumina.

主权项

1. A process for recycling uranium that has been used for the production of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), comprising:
providing an aqueous solution comprising uranyl nitrate and nitric acid, the nitric acid comprising a first concentration, the uranium concentration comprising a first concentration, said uranyl nitrate comprising uranium, irradiating the solution to produce soluble fission products that comprise Mo-99, and thereafter, adjusting the nitric acid concentration to a second concentration, adjusting the uranium concentration to a second concentration, the combined second concentrations being suitable for inducing the formation of crystals of uranyl nitrate hydrates, and a supernatant, inducing the formation of crystals of uranyl nitrate hydrates, and a supernatant, and separating the crystals from the supernatant, thereby recycling uranium that has been used for the production of Mo-99.