Bismuth has been considered as a coolant in reactors since it has a low neutron cross-section, a high boiling point, and good heat transfer properties. However, in spite of its low cross-section, a considerable quantity of polonium is formed over a periled of time from the beta decay of Bi210 produced by neutron absorption in Bi209. The alpha activity of polonium is a well known hazard. To minimize this hazard in a reactor coolant stream, it would be desirable to continuously remove Po by a compact non-aqueous process.
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