The results of modeling of the radiolysis of uranium hexafluoride at the stage of its temporary storage in a separation plant are reported. Regenerated uranium, which is enriched with 232,234U, being the strongest α-emitting isotopes, was examined as an example. The radiochemical yield of UF6 decomposition was determined approximately from the experimental data. It is shown that the concentration of uranium pentafluoride formed upon radiolysis of uranium hexafluoride is a factor of 107 lower, which, neglecting impurities, makes it possible to assume that the hexafluoride as a whole retains its properties.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Yu. A. Pokhitonov, “How can the cost of reprocessing of spent fuel be reduced and how can reliable isolation of all wastes be secured?” Radiokhimiya, 59, No. 6, 481–487 (2017).
A. I. Kislov, A. A. Titov, A. M. Dmitriev, and A. E. Sintsov, “Radiation aspects of the use of regenerated uranium at MSZ JSC in the production of nuclear fuel,” Yad. Rad. Bezopasn., 52–59 (2012).
V. Yu. Blandinskii, V. A. Nevinitsa, A. Yu. Smirnov, et al., “A coordinated approach to modeling burnup during irradiation and molecular-selective processes in the separation cascade for assessing the prospects for separate recycling of regenerated uranium fuel in a light-water reactor,” Vopr. At. Nauki Tekhn., No. 1, 68–75 (2018).
C. Shiflett, M. Steidlitz, F. Rosen, W. Davis Jr., “The chemical effect of alpha particles on uranium hexafluoride,” J. Inorg. Nucl. Chem., 7, 210–223 (1958).
A. Yu. Smirnov, V. A. Nevinitsa, P. A. Fomichenko, et al., “Enrichment of regenerated uranium in a double cascade of gas centrifuges with its maximum return into fuel reproduction,” Vest. NIYaU MIFI, 7, No. 6, 449–457 (2018).
A. A. Orlov and R. V. Malyugin, “Analysis of methods for producing uranium hexafluoride, purifying it by removing impurities and packing it in transport containers,” Sovr. Naukoem. Tekhnol. Region. Prilozh., No. 3 (39), 89–98 (2014).
S. A. Kabakchi and G. P. Bulgakova, Radiation Chemistry in the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, RKhTU im. Mendeleeva, Moscow (1997).
V. A. Dmitrievskii and A. I. Migachev, “Dissociation of UF6 molecules by fission fragments of uranium nuclei,” At. Energ., 6, No. 5, 533–539 (1959).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 126, No. 5, pp. 268–272, 2019.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Belov, I.A., Grol’, A.V., Nevinitsa, V.A. et al. Radiolysis of 232,234U-Enriched Regenerated-Uranium Hexafluoride at the Temporary Storage Stage in a Separation Plant. At Energy 126, 305–309 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10512-019-00554-w
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10512-019-00554-w