Field task proposal/agreement separation and purification of radioisotopes for research

The present purpose of this program is to produce high-purity uranium-234 (99%) and polonium-209 for the scientific community, both Governmental and non-Governmental. In addition, facilities for separation and purification of protactinium-231, thorium-230, and thorium-229 are maintained in stand-by condition for the resumption of these processes when conditions warrant. The uranium-234 isotope is separated from aged plutonium-238 material, purified, and converted to solid U{sub 3}O{sub 8}. This oxide is subsequently shipped to Oak Ridge National Laboratory for distribution through their Isotope Sales Group. The principal use of uranium-234, which is recovered from aged plutonium-238, is in fission detectors used to monitor reactors. Approximately one-third of the total uranium in a fission detector is uranium-234. The other two-thirds is uranium-235. A typical detector might contain 15 mg total uranium. As the neutron flux in the reactor causes fission of the uranium-235 in the detector, it also converts the uranium-234 to uranium-235.