Synthesis of powder uranium tetrafluoride from depleted uranium hexafluoride in hydrogen fluoride flame

Abstract

The mechanism of uranium tetrafluoride formation during the reduction of depleted uranium hexafluoride in hydrogen fluoride flame has been studied. Based on the performed studies, it has been established that powder uranium tetrafluoride with characteristics that enable it to be used for both long-term storage (minimum specific surface area, 0.6 ± 0.1 m²/g; untapped density, 2.7 g/cm³) and metallic uranium production (maximum specific surface area, 1.45 m²/g) can be obtained by adjusting the operational regime of a flame reactor.