UO2 production via AUC route

Currently UO2 is being produced from ADU route on production scale. Recently, development work was started in NFC on UO2 production via AUC route. A set-up having a capacity of 6 Kg AUC per batch has been established. The UO2 powder produced, was subjected to various tests including XRD, SEM and sinterability tests. The XRD results on AUC and UO2 are found to be matching with the data published by IAEA. The SEM analysis show that the powder produced has round shape and porosity as reported by other countries. The powder is found to be free-flowing and green pellets could be made without pre-compaction, granulation or addition of binder. In view of encouraging results, a bigger set-up having a capacity of 20 Kg of AUC per batch is under fabrication. The notable feature of the process developed at NFC is that it eliminates effluent generation. In the present work calcination, reduction and stabilization were done on a batch basis in stationary tubular furnace. Development work involving improved integrated design of the furnaces for these operations has been undertaken and fabrication has also been started. (author)