Processing of LEU targets for (sup 99)Mo production -- Demonstration of a modified Cintichem process

摘要

Two demonstrations of the use of the Cintichem process on simulated low enriched uranium (LEU, < 20% (sup 235)U) targets were run by personnel in the BATAN Isotope Production Facilities at PUSPIPTEK (Serpong, Indonesia). These demonstrations were done using a solution of either natural or depleted uranium spiked with irradiated high enriched uranium (HEU). The activity levels were low enough to perform the process in a fume hood. The volumes, equipment, and procedures used were the same as those used in the actual processing of irradiated HEU targets in a shielded cell. These results, when combined with data obtained at the University of Illinois and Argonne National Laboratory, show that substitution of LEU for HEU is possible for the Cintichem process, perhaps, with no modification.