GB792952A - Improvements in or relating to production of uranium - Google Patents

Abstract

Uranium is obtained by heating a mixture of uranium dioxide and magnesium metal which mixture includes an alkaline earth metal chloride in amount from 2 to 50 per cent by weight of the total reaction mixture. Preferably the magnesium is slightly in excess of the stoichiometric amount, the amount of chloride is 10 to 15 per cent, and the reaction is effected in an inert atmosphere (e.g. argon) in a baked magnesium or calcium oxide lined alloy steel vessel. After heating to reaction temperature the products are raised to 1200 DEG C. for half an hour or more to promote growth of uranium particles, then cooled, comminuted. leached preferably with acetic acid and the uranium beads washed in acetone and dried, or dewatered with a sulphonated oil, and/or coated with oil or wax. The uranium may be compacted, e.g. into rods, by sintering at a temperature up to 1000 DEG C. (in an inert atmosphere if not oil or wax coated) under 1/2 to 1 to p.s.i.; alternatively if uncoated, the beads may be compacted at ordinary temperatures under pressure up to 30 tons p.s.i. and then heated to a sintering temperature in vacuo or an inert atmosphere. Specification 792,951 is referred to.