UF6 cylinder fire test

With the increasing number of nuclear reactors for power generation, there is a comparable increase in the amount of UF6 being transported. Likewise, the probability of having an accident involving UF6-filled cylinders also increases. Accident scenarios which have been difficult to assess are those involving a filled UF6 cylinder subjected to fire. A study is underway at the Oak Ridge K-25 Site, as part of the US DOE Enrichment Program, to provide empirical data and a computer model that can be used to evaluate various cylinder-in-fire scenarios. It is expected that the results will provide information leading to better handling of possible fire accidents as well as show whether changes should be made to provide different physical protection during shipment. The computer model being developed will be capable of predicting the rupture of various cylinder sizes and designs as well as the amount of UF6, its distribution in the cylinder, and the conditions of the fire