Assessment of pyrophoric behaviour of uranium and plutonium in different storage/handling geometries

It is reported that U and Pu in finely divided forms are highly pyrophoric in room temperature. Thus, there exists a potential for fire accidents in the nuclear facilities which deal with U/Pu in various forms especially in form of fine powders and turnings. Moreover, sparks are also observed during discharge of a U metal ingot. Fine air suspended particles of the metals formed during burning can cause inhalation hazards as U/Pu is highly radiotoxic. The major objective of this study is to arrive at the conservative estimates of the rise in temperature of U/Pu at different geometries and in different conditions using basic thermo dynamic equations and relevant chemical reactions. The results of this study are expected to provide upper bound estimates of rise in temperature in U/Pu that could be utilised for safe design of storage facilities and formulate safe procedures for their proper storage and handling