Progress Report on the Fluorox Process for April 30, 1957-January 14, 1958

Abstract

is reported. The chemical reaction of primary interest in the Fluorox program is the oxidation of UF4 with 02' 2UF4 + 02 = UO2F2 + UF6; however, to study this process at higher temperatures, the thermal decomposition of U02:F'2, 3u02F'2 = 2/3 U 8 + UF6 + 1/3 02, is being, investigated by thermogravimetric methods in the temperature range 750-900'C. A fluidized bed reactor and a flame reactor have been used successfully to perform the continuous oxidation of UF4 with 02. The 3-in. fluidized bed reactor was operated up to 825'C on both a continuous and batch basis while the flame reactor was used to continuously react finely divided UF4 with 02 in a CO-02 flame at temperatures greater than 0 1200 C. NOTICE This document contains information of a preliminary nature and was prepared primarily for internal use at the Oak Ridge National Laboratdry. Il is subject to revision or correction and therefore does not represent a final report. The information. is not to be abstracted, reprinted or otherwise given publie,diasen nation without the approval of the ORN L pate'nt brinz,k1