Removal of metal from graphite

摘要

A method of treating scrap graphite having a metal contaminant adhered thereto. The metal is separated from the graphite by placing the scrap graphite in an aqueous oxidizing electrolyte and passing there through an electric current. The electric current may be directional. The metal may be uranium and the scrap graphite may be from the casting of uranium fuel rods. The graphite body disintegrates in the electrolyte and the metal dissolves at an accelerated rate under the influence of the electric current. The metal can also break off from the graphite and may dissolve over a longer time period in the electrolyte. The graphite so treated may be separated from the electrolyte by filtering and washing. Where the graphite has been contaminated with uranium the separation by this process is sufficient to allow the graphite to be disposed of in a conventional manner rather than special means required for hazardous, radioactive materials.