Progress in Chlorination and Dissolution Technology of Oxides of Uranium and Plutonium

Abstract

The dissolution process of oxides is a key step in the pyrochemical process of spent oxide fuel by electrolyzing in molten salt. The dissolved products will provide feeds for subsequent separation and recovery of U and Pu. The solubility and dissolution rate of oxides in molten salt systems are generally low. In order to meet process requirements, it is usually necessary to introduce chlorinating reagents. With different chlorinating reagents, the dissolution mechanism is quite different. Through extensive literature investigation, the related principles and characteristics of various chlorinating reagents in the chlorination process were analyzed and compared, which provided guidance for the research on chlorination and dissolution of U and Pu oxides in China.

Keywords

• uranium oxide
• plutonium oxide
• chlorinating reagent
• chlorination and dissolution