Conversion of UF6 to UO2: A quasi-optimization of the ammonium uranyl carbonate process

The ammonium uranyl carbonate (AUC) wet conversion process, one of the most important routes for preparation of uranium dioxide from UF6, was intensively investigated for process improvement and product identification. Both process variables and unit equipment were concerned. The target of this task was to prepare high quality UO2 ceramic powder and pellets. From the test results of UO2 pelletizing and sintering, the operation conditions were selected for process optimization. The criteria used in optimization condition determination were the reproducibility of the AUC product and the compressibility, the reactivity, as well as the sinterability of UO2 powder. Experimental results showed that UO2 pellets with sintered density higher than 98% TD were achieved. A set of quasi-optimum conditions for this process was also proposed. (orig.)