Distillation characteristics of LiCl-Li₂O electrolyte for UO₂ electrolytic reduction process

As a process improvement, the distillation and recovery of the salts used in UO₂ electrolytic reduction is required. The basic characteristics of the distillation of a LiCl-Li₂O electrolyte containing UO₂ pellets were investigated. UO₂ pellets were immersed in LiCl-Li₂O (1.0 wt%) and the mixture was subjected to distillation at 930-740 °C under Ar gas at atmospheric pressure. The residual salt consisted of Li₂O, whereas the distilled salt was identified as only LiCl. Due to the rapid heat transfer between the evaporator and the receiver, the successful distillation of LiCl at atmospheric pressure was achieved. (author)