Stable isotope enrichment techniques and ORNL separation status

The isotope separation program is described, emphasizing present state-of-the-art techniques utilized to achieve specific isotopic requirements. An interesting problem addressed here is the calutron enrichment of rare-earth isotopes where small quantities of feed (<5 g) are available, and the unresolved feed is to be recovered and recycled. Conventional ion-source units using graphite and stainless steel deteriorate in the halogenating atmosphere or are permeable to rare-earth compounds, reducing the process efficiency. An ion source has been developed using boron nitride for containing the halogenating agent and rare-earth compounds. Tests have been successfully conducted using Lu2O3 and the in situ chlorinating technique with CCl4. Collectively, 166 mg of 176Lu were recovered from two runs using 2.95 and 1.10 g of 44.5% 176Lu. Process efficiency of 10.5% was achieved, and 1.2 g of the unresolved feed were recovered. Material compatibility of the boron nitride, carbon tetrachloride, and lutetium compounds has been established. (orig.)