Aluminum Target Dissolution in Support of the Pu-238 Program

McFarlane, Joanna¹  Benker, Dennis¹  DePaoli, David W¹  Felker, Leslie Kevin¹  Mattus, Catherine H¹ 

[1] ORNL

关键词: NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems;    aluminum alloy 6061;    aluminum dissolution in caustic;    Pu-238;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1158739
RP-ID  :  ORNL/TM-2014/68
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1158739
Others  :  Other: 400409900

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

Selection of an aluminum alloy for target cladding affects post-irradiation target dissolution and separations. Recent tests with aluminum alloy 6061 yielded greater than expected precipitation in the caustic dissolution step, forming up to 10 wt.% solids of aluminum hydroxides and aluminosilicates. We present a study to maximize dissolution of aluminum metal alloy, along with silicon, magnesium, and copper impurities, through control of temperature, the rate of reagent addition, and incubation time. Aluminum phase transformations have been identified as a function of time and temperature, using X-ray diffraction. Solutions have been analyzed using wet chemical methods and X-ray fluorescence. These data have been compared with published calculations of aluminum phase diagrams. Temperature logging during the transients has been investigated as a means to generate kinetic and mass transport data on the dissolution process. Approaches are given to enhance the dissolution of aluminum and aluminosilicate phases in caustic solution.