Hydro-fluorination device with 'in situ' HF generation

The reference pyro-chemistry process studied by the DRCP is based on an actinide reductive extraction in fluoride media. At the front end of the process, a hydro-fluorination step is needed in order to convert the oxides present in irradiated fuel into fluorides. This hydro-fluorination is carried out with HF gas at 350-500 degrees C. Very few experimental facilities, hot cells, or glove-boxes are equipped with operational HF gas lines: the building and commissioning of such HF lines is very complicated and expensive. This experimental device offers an alternative, enabling hydro-fluorination of small samples (approximate to 5g) of oxide fission product (FP) elements through a chemical reaction involving 'in situ' HF gas generation. A specific gas line would no longer be required, and the hydro-fluorination reaction could therefore be carried out in conventional hot cells or glove-boxes. Ten inactive runs were carried out without any particular problem; there were no gas leaks and no temperature control issues. More than seventeen FP samples were tested. The reliability of the hydro-fluorination set-up through a chemical reaction involving 'in situ' HF gas generation has been demonstrated, and therefore this set-up could be implemented in a hot cell. (authors)