Abstract: An electrorefining apparatus is capable of operating in continuous mode, and includes a criticality control mechanism, preferably a geometric criticality control mechanism, for example, to control the dimensions of the apparatus. Electrochemical cells include a large surface area per unit volume, preferably in the form of thin, flat plates. Cells include a crusting liquid cathodes, a cast cathode, a fluidised cell or pulsed bed, a moving belt cathode, a consolidating cathode, or a liquid anode and a plate cathode. A continuous process for the isolation of metals, typically uranium, from spent nuclear fuels includes electrochemically treating the spent nuclear fuels in the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for separating a metal from a composition including the metal involves forming an electrolytic cell in which the anode comprises a composition including the metal. The electrolyte is an ionic liquid. A sufficient potential difference is applied between the anode and the cathode to cause the metal to transfer from the anode to the cathode deposited thereon.