Characterization of reused U–10Zr heel residue containing rare-earth elements through surface treatment

Abstract

U–Zr–RE heel residue was manufactured after fabricating U–Zr–RE fuel slugs by an injection casting method. In order to increase the fabrication yield rate, the uranium scrap waste should be reused as raw materials through surface treatment. Various impurity elements existed on the surface of the heel residue. Scanning electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results showed that rare-earth elements in the dilute nitric acid were removed using air agitation. Impurity elements for the heel residue were removed from the top and bottom layers by pickling. Metallic fuel slugs were soundly fabricated using the pickled heel residue as raw materials.