Purex Pulse Column Studies With Unirradiated Uranium Development Of Specifications For The Ornl Pilot Plant PDF Download

Information on the development of pulse columns for the Purex Process is presented in order to indicate qualitutively the performance attainable with improved cartridge designs, and to show some of the factors involved in scaling up pilot plant results to full plant scale. The pulse columns were designed to produce separated uranium and plutonium products decontaminated by at least a factor of 10>s7/sup /om fission products, with average uranium and plutonium losses of less than 0.2% per column and an overall yield of at least 99% of each product. The five types of behavior observed in pulse columns as a function of throughout rate and pulsing conditions are described. The effects of increasing frequency and throughput rate on pulse column efficiency are shown. The different types of perforated plates and packings investigated for Purex service are discussed. Short cuts, indicated by Purex development studies, that may be taken to provide a suituble column design with a minimum of pilot plant development are described. (M.C.G.).