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US4020004A
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Conversion of radioactive ferrocyanide compounds to immobile glasses
Assignee: Energy Research and Development Administration ERDA
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Filing: 1975-11-21
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Granted: 1977-04-26
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Expires: 1995-11-21
Abstract
Abstract Complex radioactive ferrocyanide compounds result from the scavenging of cesium from waste products produced in the chemical reprocessing of nuclear fuel. These ferrocyanides, in accordance with this process, are converted to an immobile glass, resistant to leaching by water, by fusion together with sodium carbonate and a mixture of (a) basalt and boron trioxide (B2O3) or (b) silica (SiO2) and lime (CaO).
Inventors
- 👤 Wallace W. Schulz
- 👤 A. Louise Dressen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 13:16
CPC Classifications
G; G21; G21F; G21F9/00; G21F9/28; G21F9/34; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S210/00; Y10S210/902; Y10S210/903; Y10S210/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of converting solid radioactive ferrocyanide precipitates of the general formula 134-137 Cs a M b [FE(CN) 6 ] c . xH 2 O, where M represents Ni, Cu, Fe, Co, Cd, Mn or UO 2 ; a, b, and c are integers; and x is zero or a small number, to an insoluble silicate glass comprising the step of heating and melting said radioactive ferrocyanide in a charge consisting essentially of from 10 to 30 percent of said ferrocyanide and from 15 to 25 percent sodium carbonate and a mixture selected from the group consisting of (a) from 40 to 60 percent basalt and from 5 to 15 percent boron trioxide and (b) from 40 to 60 percent silica and from 5 to 10 percent calcium oxide.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of converting solid radioactive ferrocyanide precipitates of the general formula 134-137 Cs a M b [FE(CN) 6 ] c . xH 2 O, where M represents Ni, Cu, Fe, Co, Cd, Mn or UO 2 ; a, b, and c are integers; and x is zero or a small number, to an insoluble silicate glass comprising the step of heating and melting said radioactive ferrocyanide in a charge consisting essentially of from 10 to 30 percent of said ferrocyanide and from 15 to 25 percent sodium carbonate and a mixture selected from the group consisting of (a) from 40 to 60 percent basalt and from 5 to 15 percent boron trioxide and (b) from 40 to 60 percent silica and from 5 to 10 percent calcium oxide.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
9 words
The method of claim 1 wherein M represents nickel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said charge is in the dry state prior to said heating and consists essentially of 10 to 30 percent said ferrocyanide, 5 to 15 percent B 2 O 3 , 40 to 60 percent basalt, and 15 to 25 percent Na 2 CO 3 , and said heating is to a temperature of about 1200° C.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as defined in claim 3 wherein said charge consists essentially of 10 percent B 2 O 3 , 20 percent Na 2 CO 3 , 10 to 30 percent said ferrocyanide, balance basalt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as defined in claim 4 wherein said basalt has substantially the following composition by weight 52% SiO 2 , 14% FeO, 13% Al 2 O 3 , 8% CaO, 4% MgO, 3% [NaO] Na 2 O, 2.5% TiO 2 and 1.5% K 2 O.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
70 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said charge is in the dry state prior to said heating and consists essentially of 10 to 30 percent said ferrocyanide, 40 to 60 percent SiO 2 , 15 to 25 percent Na 2 CO 3 , and 5 to 15 percent CaO, and said heating is to a temperature in the range of from about 1250° C. to about 1350° C.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as defined in claim 6 wherein said charge consists essentially of 20% said ferrocyanide, 50 percent SiO 2 , 21 percent Na 2 CO 3 and 9 percent CaO.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2769780A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-04-25 | 1980-10-25 | 1981-04-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-04-25 | 1984-10-25 | 1985-04-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-04-25 | 1988-10-25 | 1989-04-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |