Abstract: A process for the recovery of actinide and lanthanide values from aqueous acidic solutions with an organic extractant having the formula: ##STR1## where .phi. is phenyl, R.sup.1 is a straight or branched alkyl or alkoxyalkyl containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is an alkyl containing from 3 to 6 carbon atoms. The process is suitable for the separation of actinide and lanthanide values from fission product values found together in high level nuclear reprocessing waste solutions.

Abstract: Aqueous emulsion of tertiary butyl hydroperoxide containing a protective colloid insuring stability after a storage period of two months. The protective colloid used is hydroxyethyl cellulose having a degree of substitution of more than 2.0, particularly 2.3-3.0. The emulsion may contain 0.1-10% by weight of the colloid and, optionally, up to 5% by weight of a surfactant.

Abstract: This application relates to a composition containing a polymeric material which may be cross-linked in the presence of a monomeric cross-linking agent upon irradiation with a nuclear source. The composition is suitable for use as a well drilling fluid prior to irradiation and as a well cement after.

Abstract: This invention relates to the immobilization of toxic, e.g., radioactive materials, internally in a silicate glass or silica gel matrix for extremely long periods of time. Toxic materials, such as radioactive wastes containing radioactive anions, and in some cases cations, which may be in the form of liquids, or solids dissolved or dispersed in liquids or gases, are internally incorporated into a glass matrix, having hydrous organofunctionalsiloxy groups, e.g., hydrous aminoalkylsiloxy or carboxyorganosiloxy, bonded to silicon atoms of said glass and/or hydrous polyvalent metals bonded to silicon atoms of said glass through divalent oxygen linkages or otherwise immobilized therein, by a process which involves the ion exchange of said toxic, radioactive anions with hydroxyl groups attached to said organofunctionalsiloxy groups or with hydroxyl groups attached to the hydrous polyvalent metal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for separating and recovering boric acid from water containing solids which include boric acid and radionuclides. In the first step, the water is separated from the solids by evaporation of the water at a temperature under 130.degree. F. In the second step, an alcohol selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, and mixtures thereof is added to the remaining solids in the amount of at least 1.4 times that stoichiometrically required to react with the boric acid to form boron alkoxide and water to about 100 mole % in excess of stoichiometric. In the third step, the boron alkoxide is separated from the remaining solids by evaporation of the boron alkoxide. In the fourth step, water is added to the volatilized boron alkoxide to form boric acid and an alcohol. And finally, the alcohol is separated from the boric acid by evaporating the alcohol.

Abstract: Ion exchange resins in the base form, e.g., DOWEX MWA--1--OH ion exchange resin, which contain crystalline Al(OH).sub.3, e.g., gibbsite, and/or bayerite, and/or norstrandite, are treated with hot, concentrated LiX solutions (where X is anion) to prepare 3-layer crystalline LiX.2Al(OH).sub.3.nH.sub.2 O in the resin.

Abstract: The method for improving the initial activity of activated hydrazine is used as corrosion protection for reservoir drinking water and for the wet preservation of installation parts no longer in use. It is the object of the invention to increase the initial activity of hydrazine solutions, activated with complexes of trivalent cobalt, with respect to oxygen dissolved in water, and to develop a suitable method for the activator-rich hydrazine solution. The object is accomplished in that trivalent phenols, preferably pyrogallol, are added in small amounts to the activator-rich hydrazine solution.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating uranium product from the Purex process comprises addition of hydrazine to the product uranyl nitrate stream from the Purex process, which contains hexavalent (UO.sub.2.sup.2+) uranium and heptavalent technetium (TcO.sub.4 -). Technetium in the product stream is reduced and then complexed by the addition of oxalic acid (H.sub.2 C.sub.2 O.sub.4), and the Tc-oxalate complex is readily separated from the uranium by solvent extraction with 30 vol. % tributyl phosphate in n-dodecane.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the composition and method for reducing the permeability of subterranean formations penetrated by a wellbore. The composition of the present invention comprises a wellbore fluid having dispersed therein a fluid loss control agent comprising a polyester polymer which is substantially insoluble in the wellbore fluid. The polymer degrades in the presence of water at an elevated temperature to form small molecules which are soluble in a fluid in the subterranean formation. The method of the present invention comprises reducing the permeability of subterranean formations penetrated by a wellbore by placing the composition of the present invention down the wellbore.

Abstract: A well-treating fluid of high density, solids-free and corrosion-resistance is formed comprising an aqueous solution of at least 50% by weight tetrapotassium pyrophosphate and a salt which can be either monopotassium orthophosphate, dipotassium orthophosphate or tripotassium orthophosphate, or mixtures thereof, wherein the salt is present in amounts sufficient to yield a predetermined pH in said fluid of about 8.5 to about 12, a predetermined specific gravity of at least about 1.65, and has high resistance to recrystallization of its solutes.

Abstract: Apparatus for agitating and circulating a liquid 20 comprising a vessel having two upright chambers 10, 12 and two vertically displaced ducts 14, 18 connecting the chambers 10, 12. In use of the apparatus, a steady flow of gas into the top of one chamber 10 provides both an oscillation and a circulation of the liquid 20 in the apparatus, as the gas is periodically vented through the upper duct 18.The apparatus has one application in the dissolution of material from nuclear fuel pins during reprocessing.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid having improved lubricating properties for drilling in formations in the earth comprising water and a lubricant composition containing a mixture of a chlorinated component and a sulfurized component in proportions to produce a lubricant composition containing 15 to 30 weight percent chlorine and 2 to 10 weight percent sulfur.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of uranium from spent shale by treating the spent shale with a compound selected from the group consisting of methanol, a mixture of methanol and water, and a mixture of methanol and sodium methoxide at between about 240.degree. and 450.degree. C. and atmospheric pressure or higher. The treated spent shale is then leached with an aqueous acid solution such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or nitric acid to remove 90% of the uranium from the spent shale and the leached uranium is recovered from the acid solution in a manner known per se.

Abstract: Separation of heavier uranium isotope compounds from lighter uranium isotope compounds in a gas jet having supersonic velocity after one isotope is converted selectively by laser radiation. The gas jet is subjected to an oblique compression shock to abruptly change direction causing the lighter isotope compounds to be deflected unrestrained by guiding walls with the heavier isotope compounds continuing on substantially in the original direction of the gas jet. The heavier isotope compounds are collected in a collecting vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved oxygen-scavenging and corrosion-inhibiting agent for fluidic systems comprising a hydroquinone compound with hydrazine (1:1 molar ratio). Also disclosed are methods for using this agent.

Abstract: An oxygen absorbent composition mounted on a suitable carrier and adapted to be mounted in a closeable container for removing oxygen from the space within the container. The composition comprises iron particles and yeast, mixed together with some moisture.

Abstract: Removal of the graphite structure from the nuclear fuel material of fuel elements of gas-cooled high-temperature reactors is performed by heat-treatment of the fuel elements in oxygen-containing gas at temperatures below 700.degree. C. until the carbon or graphite structure is loosened up and converted into a mechanically removable material. During heat-treatment, mechanical forces are preferably applied for continually removing the outer layers that are most heavily attacked and transport of the dust into cooler temperature zones. For this purpose, the fuel elements are agitated during heat-treatment, as by an oscillating sieve or by brushes. Pre-impregnation with a material catalyzing the combustion is useful if it is important to have the heat-treatment temperature as low as possible.

Abstract: Improved spherules for making enhanced forms of nuclear-reactor fuels are prepared by internal gelation procedures within a sol-gel operation and are accomplished by first boiling the concentrated HMTA-urea feed solution before engaging in the spherule-forming operation thereby effectively controlling crystallite size in the product spherules.

Abstract: An aqueous solution-type oxidizing agent composition consisting of an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing agent, which consists of ammonium nitrate as a main component and an inorganic chlorate, and further containing a water-soluble phosphate as a stabilizer, which is stable, inhibits the decomposition of ammonium nitrate, and has high storage stability.

Abstract: A chemical composition comprising oxygenic ingredients and activators whi when activated, generates oxygen for use in breathing mixtures, the oxygenic ingredients being potassium superoxide and sodium peroxide and the activators being aluminum hydroxide, manganese dioxide and powdered aluminum all taken in a proportion as follows, wt. %:sodium peroxide, Na.sub.2 O.sub.2, 10-20;aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH).sub.3, 15-25;manganese dioxide, MnO.sub.2, 5-7;powdered aluminium, Al, 2.5-3.5;potassium superoxide, KO.sub.2, the balance.