FLUIDIZED-BED PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF URANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE (GREEN SALT) FROM URANYL NITRATE. Interim Report PDF Download

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A proposed new processing technique for the production of uranium tetrafluoride from uranyl nitrate solution is described. This technique involves the application of the fluidized-bod principle for the contacting of gases with powdered solids. A new application of fluidization developed at this Laboratory and applied to the denitration of uranyl nitrate to produce uranium trioxide is also described. The purpose of this work is to develop a low-cost, continuous process for the denitration of uranyl nitrate hexahydrate, the reduction of uranium trioxide to uranium dioxide, and the hydrofluorination of uranium dioxide to uranium tetrafluoride. Uranium trioxide and uranium dioxide powders can be satisfactorily fluidized over a wide range of particle sizes. The product is a powder having a high bulk density and satisfactory physical and chemioal properties. Production rates of 100 Ib/hr/ft2 of reactor cross section were demonstrated. Experimental work is continuing to obtain additional information of the effects of operating variables. Experimental work is now underway to determine the optimum hydrofluorination operating oonditions and to estimate the size and number of stages required for the production of specification-grade uranium tetrafluoride. (auth).