Curium-248 separation

Results concerning the processing of the active part of a californium neutron source are presented. An extraction method with the use of di-2-ethylhexylphosphoric acid and a centrifugal apparatus was used to advantage to effect the separation of 280 mcg of californium-252 and 355 mcg of curium-248. 260 mcg californium and 290 mcg of curium were isolated. Curium affinage was performed by the extraction-chromatographic method. The content of californium-252 in the curium preparation was 0.06% (by activity), and the neutral impurities-1 mg. Preliminary findings are also given showing the possibility of employing extraction-chromatographic and extraction methods in the separation of the microgram quantities of curium and californium