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DOE-HDBK-3010-94
7.0 Application Examples; Dry Processing Line Example
fluoride. The hydrofluorinator operates over a temperature range of 400 oC to ~ 600 oC.
Both the calciner and the hydrofluorinator are electrically heated.
64% nitric acid is directed to a scrubber in the calcination glovebox to dissolves entrained
plutonium oxide from the calciner offgas. This solution is collected in a 100-l slab tank
similar to those in the dissolving lines for recycle as ion exchange feed. Hydrogen fluoride
is metered on the second floor to a flowrate of ~ 1 scf per minute. 30% potassium
hydroxide solution is added to the offgas scrubber in the hydrofluorinator scrubbing glovebox
to neutralize the excess hydrogen fluoride. Process air enters both the calcining and
hydrofluorinating glovebox lines at 0.24 MPag (35 psig). Dry process air provides internal
glovebox ventilation flow at 0.21 MPag (30 psig) for the calcination glovebox and 0.14 MPag
(20 psig) for the hydrofluorination glovebox.
The internal sheath of the calciner rotates during operation to ensure even heating. This
rotation is driven by a hydraulic unit mounted in the floor of the glovebox. The hydraulic
fluid used has a flammability rating of 1, which means "materials that must be preheated
before ignition can occur. Materials in this degree require considerable preheating, under all
ambient conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur" (NFPA 704). Materials such
as this are classified as Class IIIB combustibles, the lowest hazard rating available.
The similar rotation in the hydrofluorinator is driven by an all-electric unit that replaced the
hydraulic unit 5 years ago. The hydrofluorination glovebox is also not normally visible from
the operating room. Due to the high neutron density associated with the interaction of alpha
particles and fluorine, the entire operating side is shielded by a large, Benelex wall with
sliding cabinet doors to allow access. Other than windows, the actual surfaces of the
glovebox are equipped with such shielding as well. This material is supposed to be painted
with an intumescent paint to prevent it from serving as a source of fuel to initiate a large
fire.
7.3.7.2
Release Estimation
The major energetic phenomenon of concern for the "dry" line is a large fire.
A. Large Room Fire. Plutonium in a damp or dry powder configuration is the
primary material-at-risk in the calcining and hydrofluorination gloveboxes. Rounding
upward, approximately 23,000 g of plutonium as plutonium peroxide can be stored in
the 10 receipt storage positions available. Between 2 and 4 kg of predominantly
plutonium oxide could be in the calcining vessel at any one time, with the 4 kg upper
limit based on the size of the vessel. If this amount of material is assumed, it must
be subtracted from the amount considered stored. A complete operating cycle up to
Page 7-49


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