URANIUM OXIDE PRODUCTION

摘要

A process for the production of a uranium oxide in which UF6 is converted by reaction with steam into UO2F2 in a first step and by further reaction of UO2F2 with steam and/or hydrogen in a second step to produce an oxide of uranium, the process being carried out in an apparatus comprising a single kiln vessel having a first region, having UF6 and steam inlets, wherein the first step may be carried out, and a second region wherein the said second step may be carried out, which process includes the further steps of analysing the oxide of uranium produced to determine the amount of fluoride present and the oxygen to uranium (O/U) ratio therein, and, where the level of fluoride present is unacceptably high, recycling the oxide of uranium to the said second region to produce an oxide of uranium having a lower fluoride content and oxygen to uranium ratio and wherein the said oxide of uranium having the unacceptably high fluoride content is fed into the first region of the vessel, in the absence of any feeding of UF6 or steam thereto, and conveyed by conveying means directly into the second region of the vessel.