Purification of Alkali-Metal Chlorides by Zone Recrystallization for Use in Pyrochemical Processing of Spent Nuclear Fuel

An installation for purifying alkali-metal chlorides, by means of zone recrystallization, for use in the basic operations of the pyrochemical processing of spent fuel from fast reactors is considered. The main technological operations for purifying chlorides at the proposed installation, which contains units for preparation, primary remelting, zone recrystallization, and packaging of finished salts, are described. The installation allows alkali-metal chlorides to be obtained very efficiently and with the lowest possible content of oxygen-containing impurities because all purification operations are performed in a way where the salt to be purified does not come into contact with a humid atmosphere. By way of an example, experimental confirmation was obtained for the purification of 100 kg lithium chloride and the optimal parameters for the purification of the salt were determined.

Automated summary

This article discusses an installation for purifying alkali-metal chlorides, which is used in the pyrochemical processing of spent fuel from fast reactors. The main technological operations of the installation and the optimal parameters for salt purification are described.