Abstracts and Available Papers Presented at the
1995 International RERTR Meeting

CONVERTING TARGETS AND PROCESSES FOR FISSION-PRODUCT
⁹⁹MO FROM HIGH- TO LOW-ENRICHED URANIUM

G. F. Vandegrift, J. L. Snelgrove, S. Aase, M. M. Bretscher, B. A. Buchholz, D. J. Chaiko, D. B. Chamberlain, L. Chen, C. Conner, D. Dong, G. L. Hofman, J. C. Hutter, G. C. Knighton, J. D. Kwok, R. A. Leonard, J. E. Matos, J. Sedlet, B. Srinivasan, D. E. Walker, T. Wiencek, E. L. Wood, D. G. Wygmans, and A. Travelli
Argonne National Laboratory


S. Landsberger and D. Wu
University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign


A. Suripto, A. Mutalib, H. Nasution, Adang H.G., Hotman L., S. Amini, Dedi S., Martalena R., A. Gogo, B. Purwadi, D. L. Amin, Zahiruddin, A., Sukmana, Kadarisman, Sriyono, D. Hafid, M. Sayad
Badan Tenaga Atom National, Indonesia, PUSPIPTEK

Abstract

Most of the world’s supply of ⁹⁹Mo is produced by the fissioning of ²³⁵U in high-enriched uranium targets (HEU, generally 93% ²³⁵U). To reduce nuclear-proliferation concerns, the U.S. Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor Program is working to convert the current HEU targets to low-enriched uranium (LEU, <20% ²³⁵U). Switching to LEU targets also requires modifying the separation processes. Current HEU processes can be classified into two main groups based on whether the irradiated target is dissolved in acid or base. Our program has been working on both fronts, with development of targets for acid-side processes being the furthest along. However, using an LEU metal foil target may allow the facile replacement of HEU for both acid and basic dissolution processes. Demonstration of the irradiation and ⁹⁹Mo separation processes for the LEU metal-foil targets is being done in cooperation with researchers at the Indonesian PUSPIPTEK facility. We are also developing LEU UO₂/Al dispersion plates as substitutes for HEU UAl_x/Al dispersion plates for base-side processes. Results show that conversion to LEU is technically feasible; working with producers is essential to lowering any economic penalty associated with conversion.