Analysis of accidental UF₆ releases

As interim substance in the nuclear fuel enrichment process, Uranium Hexafluoride (UF₆) is widely applied in nuclear processing, enrichment and fuel fabrication plants. Because of its vivid chemical characteristics and special radiological hazard and chemical toxicity, great attention must be paid to accident of UF₆ leakage. The chemical reactions involved in UF₆ release processes were introduced, therewith potential release styles, pathways and characteristics of diffusion were analyzed. The results indicated that the accidental release process of UF₆ is not a simple passive diffusion. So, specific atmospheric diffusion model related to UF₆ releases need be used in order to analyze and evaluate accurately the accidental consequences. (authors)