Descaling plant handling uranium hexa:fluoride - by treating with bromine tri:fluoride formed in situ to give only gaseous cpds. and minimise corrosion

摘要

Elimination of firmly adhering or dusty deposits in plant for handling UF6 is effected by treating with the reaction prod. of a Br cpd. (I) and excess fluorinating agent(s) (II) at room or higher temp. Pref. (I) is CF3Br or CF2Br2 and (II) is IF7 or F2. Rapid cleaning is possible without dismantling the appts. Only gaseous prods. form, there is practically no corrosion, since Br2 formation is prevented by the use of excess (II), and the risks of operating with ClF3 are avoided. Costs of cleaning and eliminating the radioactive waste obtd. are minimised. Also, since gaseous UF6 is formed, nuclear fuel losses are very small.