Process for separation of zirconium isotopes
AssigneeWestinghouse Electric Corp.
InventorsJohn F. Jackovitz, Steven H. Peterson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The zirconium 91 isotopic content of zirconium is reduced by forming a solution of a zirconium compound and a scavenger of 8-hydroxyquinoline or its derivatives, and irradiating the solution with light at a wavelength which excites the compound so that it reacts with the scavenger. Because the molecules containing the zirconium 91 isotope remain excited longer, they react disproportionately with the scavenger. The reaction product, which precipitates from the solution, is therefore enriched in the zirconium 91 isotope. Micelle-forming agents can be added to the solution to enhance the isotopic enrichment.
Claims17
A process for reducing the zirconium 91 isotopic content of zirconium comprising:
- (A) forming a solution which comprises:
- (1) a solvent;
- (2) a scavenger selected from the group consisting of 8-hydroxyquinoline, derivatives of 8-hydroxyquinoline, and mixtures thereof;
- (3) a compound containing zirconium which is soluble in said solution and which reacts with said scavenger when exposed to light having a wavelength of about 220 to about 600 nm;
- (B) irradiating said solution with light having a wavelength of about 220 to about 600 nm for a time selected to photoreact a disproportionate amount of said compound containing said zirconium 91 isotope with said scavenger;
- and
- (C) separating the product of said reaction from said solution.
A process for reducing the zirconium 91 isotopic content of zirconium comprising:
- (A) forming a solution which comprises:
- (1) 80 to 99% of a solvent;
- (2) a beta diketone which has the general formula ##STR4## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently selected from alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;
- (3) a scavenger selected from the group consisting of 8-hydroxyquinoline, derivatives of 8-hydroxyquinoline, and mixtures thereof;
- (B) irradiating said solution with light having a wavelength of about 220 to about 600 nm for about 5 to about 30 minutes;
- and
- (C) separating the product of said reaction from said solution.
A process according to claim 13 wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are methyl groups.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.