Lanthanide Separation from Uranium via Molten Zone Refinement

Abstract

This study explores the efficacy of zone refining in isolating metallic lanthanides from metallic uranium. With a custom induction heating apparatus in an inert atmosphere, multiple zone-refining experiments were performed with varying operation parameters. Through extensive Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) scans, the visual representation of Lanthanides migration within the sample unveils substantial movement from the bottom to the consolidated lanthanides phase at the top. Utilizing high-speed molten zone traversing with multiple passes and elevated rare earth concentration yields the most promising result, showcasing distinctive two phases with a well-defined phase interface. Impurity quantities for each phase were typically around or below 1 wt%. These quantitative impurities are typical in most EDS spot analyses, offering a promising process path for the nuclear metal fuel cycle.