Patent ID: 7267754
Filing Date: 2007-09-11
Classification: C25C

Abstract:
1. A process for the improved electrorefining of minor actinides and transuranic elements, the process comprising: a) supplying the actinides and transuranic elements in the form of spent nuclear fuel; b) placing the spent fuel in an anode basket; c) contacting an electrolyte containing actinide chlorides with the anode basket and a cathode; d) positioning a porous barrier between the anode basket and cathode so as to form an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment; and e) wherein said positioning of the porous barrier results in causing the concentrations of uranium ions, minor actinide ions, and transuranic ions in the catholyte compartment, or in the cathode salt, to decrease with respect to the concentrations in the anode salt which as noted causes the preferential deposition of minor actinides and transuranics at the cathode.