Conversion - doe-hdbk-1113-98_reaffirm_2005

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Module 102 The Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

Conversion

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At this stage in the nuclear fuel cycle, the

yellowcake is converted into uranium hexafluoride

(UF6) for enrichment. This is accomplished by:

a. Conversion of yellowcake to pure uranium

trioxide (UO3), called "orange oxide" or "orange

salt," by solvent extraction and follow-up

drying.

b. Conversion of UO3 to uranium dioxide UO2.

c. Conversion of UO2 to uranium tetrafluoride

(UF4) by hydrofluorination (addition of

hydrogen fluoride gas). This product is called

"green salt."

d. Reacting the UF4 with fluorine gas (F2) to form

uranium hexafluoride (UF6), which is a volatile

form ready for enrichment. The UF6 is a solid at

room temperature but readily becomes a gas

when heated above 56C.