Apparatus for extraction of polonium - 210 from irradiated bismuth using molten caustic

摘要

An extraction apparatus for removing polonium-210 from irradiated bismuth by a pyrochemical extraction process comprises a melting chamber suitable for melting irradiated bismuth, a reservoir for melted bismuth, an extraction chamber suitable for holding molten caustic and having means for circulating molten bismuth from the reservoir through the extraction chamber whereby said bismuth can be repeatedly cycled in counter flow through the molten caustic and the polonium-210 is removed from the irradiated bismuth.