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US3794716A
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Separation of uranium isotopes by chemical exchange
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1972-09-13
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Granted: 1974-02-26
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Expires: 1992-09-13
Abstract
Abstract A chemical exchange method is provided for separating uranium235 from uranium-238 comprising contacting a first phase containing UF6 with a second phase containing a compound selected from the group consisting of NOUF6, NOUF7, and NO2UF7 until the UF6 in the first phase becomes enriched in the U-235 isotope.
Inventors
- 👤 P Ogle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 23:44
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D59/00; B01D59/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
75 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the first and second phases are selected from the group consisting of First Phase Second Phase A. NOUF6(s) :UF6 (1) or (g) B. NOUF7(s) :UF6 (1) or (g) C. NO2UF7(s) :UF6 (1) or (g) D. NOUF6(s) :UF6 (1) or (g) - HF(g) E. NOUF6 in HF:UF6 in perfluorotributylamine F. NOUF6 in HF:UF6 in trichlorotrifluoroethane G. NOUF6 in HF:UF6 in dichlorotetrafluoroethane where (s) solid, (1) liquid, and (g) gas.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
51 words
A method for separating U-235 and U-238 which comprises countercurrently contacting a first liquid phase consisting essentially of UF6 dissolved in a liquid fluorinated hydrocarbon which is essentially immisciblE with HF and a second phase consisting essentially of NOUF6 dissolved in HF until the UF6 becomes enriched in the U-235 isotope.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 3 in which the solvent for UF6 is selected from the group consisting of trichlorotrifluoroethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, and perfluorotributylamine.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of separating U-235 from U-238 comprising countercurrently contacting a first liquid phase consisting essentially of UF6 dissolved in an essentially HF-immiscible liquid fluorinated hydrocarbon with a second phase having a lower specific gravity than said first phase and consisting essentially of NOUF6 dissolved in HF until the UF6 becomes enriched in the U-235 isotope.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 5 in which droplets of the heavier phase are passed through a column containing the lighter phase.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 5 in which droplets of the heavier phase are passed through a column filled with the lighter phase to displace the lighter phase in said column.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 5 in which the HF-immiscible solvent for UF6 is a fluorinated hydrocarbon.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of separating U-235 from U-238 comprising countercurrently contacting a first liquid phase consisting essentially of UF6 dissolved in an essentially HF-immiscible liquid florinated hydrocarbon with a second phase having a lower specific gravity than said first phase and consisting essentially of NOUF6 dissolved in HF until the UF6 becomes enriched in the U-235 isotope, reacting the contacted NOUF6 with F2 or ClF3 to form UF6 and cycling back the thus produced UF6 to serve as solute for the first liquid phase.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process according to claim 9 in which UF6 previously enriched in U-235 is reacted with NO to form NOUF6 to serve as solute for the second liquid phase.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method according to claim 9 in which the contacted NOUF6 phase, after disengagement from the UF6-containing phase, is reacted with a fluorinating agent selected from the group consisting of F2 or ClF3 to produce UF6 to serve as solute for the first liquid phase.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method according to claim 10 in which UF6 previously enriched in U-235 is disengaged from the lighter phase and reacted with NO to produce NOUF6, separating the resulting NOUF6 and reconstituting it with HF to serve as the second liquid phase.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3697235A
Cited
US3039846A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-25 | 1977-08-27 | 1978-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-25 | 1981-08-27 | 1982-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-25 | 1985-08-27 | 1986-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |