Protactinium Production

Protactinium-231 isotope is separated from uranium feedstock utilizing precipitating, extracting and ion exchange methods. 150 g of Protactinium had been extracted until 1988. It also may be produced by processing of nuclear fuel of reactors with thorium-uranium cycle. Protactinium-233 isotope (half-life T_1/2 = 27.4 days) is produced bombarding Thorium by neutrons in nuclear reactors. Protactinium metal is obtained processing the reduction of PaF₄ by barium or calcium vapours at 1500°C.