The Nuclear Weapons Complex Management for Health, Safety, and the Environment (1989) / Chapter Skim
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Appendix D: Plutonium
Appendix D: Plutonium
Pages 118-122
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From page 118... ...
lower. Although both are relatively easily oxidized, plutonium is much more reactive chemically, and in air it is readily oxidized to plutonium dioxide, PuO2, the most common fond of plutonium in the environment Two useful reference works covering the properties and chemist of plutonium are Cleveland (1976)
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From page 119... ...
The irradiated uranium is dissolved in concentrated nitric acid After suitable adjustments, this nitric acid solution, containing uranium, plutonium, and fission products, is contacted with an immiscible organic solution of ~ibutyl phosphate (TBP) in a diluent that is essentially a highly purified kerosene fraction.
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From page 120... ...
The large amount of heat released in the reaction of PUF4 with calcium, combined with the relatively low melting point of the resulting calcium fluoride slag, results in a low viscosity medium that allows plutonium aggregation and thus enhanced yield. In addition, Puff, unlike plutonium mchloride, another possible reduction candidate, does not absorb appreciable moisture from the air.
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From page 121... ...
It can be washed downward into the soil column by natural factors, and it can be spread both horizontally and vertically by plants and animals. Some limited dissolution of PuO2 can occur in ocean water and in ground-waters with chemical compositions that enhance plutonium volubility, but this does not generally occur in domestic groundwaters because of Heir low chemical contents.
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From page 122... ...
Such treatments are more effective when administered soon afte, contamination, before the plutonium has been `'fixed" in the body. The comparable uranium compound, UO2 is similar in density to PuO2, but it is considerably more soluble.
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