Application of infrared spectrometer on-line monitoring and analyzing method in uranium fluoride volatility process

Background: High temperature fluoride volatility process (HFVP) is an important pyroprocessing method for separating and recovering fissile material uranium from the spent fuel. Purpose: The goal of this work is to establish an on-line measurement technique for gaseous products. Methods: We established this technique based on infrared spectrometer in HFVP. Results: It was found that during the UF₄ fluoride volatility reaction process, in addition to UF₆, there were MoF₆, UO₂F₂ and HF formation. The possible source of those compounds was analyzed according to their concentrations during the reaction process. Conclusion: The results in HFVP showed that infrared spectroscopy may be expected to be used not only for on-line monitoring of the process, but also for optimizing the process through on-line detecting MoF₆ from corrosion of structure material and UO₂F₂ and HF from hydrolysis of UF₆. (authors)