Process for the electrolytic reduction of uranium hexafluoride uranium metal in a molten salt

摘要

1,137,606. Electrolytic reduction of uranium hexafluoride. UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION. May 8, 1967 [March 16, 1967], No.21318/67. Heading C7B. In a method of electrolytically reducing uranium hexafluoride to uranium, uranium hexafluoride gas is bubbled across a carbon anode 23 immersed in a molten electrolyte 19 composed of uranium tetra-fluoride, lithium fluoride and an alkaline earth fluoride whilst passing direct electric current between said anode and a carbon cathode at which uranium is thus formed. Carbon tetrafluoride gas is formed at the anode. The cell used may, as shown, comprise a graphite anode structure 21 partially submerged in the molten electrolyte contained in a graphite crucible 15 which forms the cathode, the whole being contained within a quartz container 11. The graphite anode structure 21 consists of a round perforated lower plate 23, vertical supports 25, a horizontal collar 27, pipe 47 and sleeve 29. Inert gas, such as argon, containing UF 6 is passed through pipe 39 and graphite pipe 47 to enter the electrolyte via gas outlet 49. The crucible 15 is provided with a gas outlet 59 and a graphite lid 17 above which is positioned thermal insulation 53 of fire brick. The cell is heated by induction coils 55 surrounding the quartz tube.