[go: up one dir, main page]

WO1997027595A1 - Fluoration - Google Patents

Fluoration Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997027595A1
WO1997027595A1 PCT/GB1997/000198 GB9700198W WO9727595A1 WO 1997027595 A1 WO1997027595 A1 WO 1997027595A1 GB 9700198 W GB9700198 W GB 9700198W WO 9727595 A1 WO9727595 A1 WO 9727595A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel
plasma
fluorination
reprocessing
slurry
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB1997/000198
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark Fields
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sellafield Ltd
Original Assignee
British Nuclear Fuels PLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by British Nuclear Fuels PLC filed Critical British Nuclear Fuels PLC
Publication of WO1997027595A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997027595A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22B—PRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B60/00—Obtaining metals of atomic number 87 or higher, i.e. radioactive metals
    • C22B60/02—Obtaining thorium, uranium, or other actinides
    • C22B60/0204—Obtaining thorium, uranium, or other actinides obtaining uranium
    • C22B60/0213—Obtaining thorium, uranium, or other actinides obtaining uranium by dry processes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C01G—COMPOUNDS CONTAINING METALS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C01D OR C01F
    • C01G43/00—Compounds of uranium
    • C01G43/04—Halides of uranium
    • C01G43/06—Fluorides
    • C01G43/063—Hexafluoride (UF6)
    • C01G43/066—Preparation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21C—NUCLEAR REACTORS
    • G21C19/00—Arrangements for treating, for handling, or for facilitating the handling of, fuel or other materials which are used within the reactor, e.g. within its pressure vessel
    • G21C19/42—Reprocessing of irradiated fuel
    • G21C19/44—Reprocessing of irradiated fuel of irradiated solid fuel
    • G21C19/48—Non-aqueous processes
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
    • Y02E30/30—Nuclear fission reactors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
    • Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
    • Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies

Definitions

  • This invention relates to fluorination and in particular to the fluorination of irradiated fuel in nuclear fuel reprocessing.
  • Plant size contributes significantly to the cost of a facility for reprocessing irradiated nuclear fuel. For any process, if one or more ofthe process stages can be earned out in smaller apparatus and at increased rate, this is likely to lead to considerable cost savings, provided overall throughput is not compromised.
  • Fluonde volatility reprocessing involves fluorination of irradiated fuel and the subsequent separation of fission product fluorides and actinide fluo ⁇ des from UF 6 . Fluorination is currently carried out using a fluidised bed to nullify the effect ofthe highly exothermic fluo ⁇ nation reaction. A large vessel is required and a large volume of highly contaminated fluid bed material is produced, which matenal ultimately has to be treated and disposed of. Fluo ⁇ nation of all the UO or U O g and fission products and actinides takes approximately one day per fuel assembly. Accordingly the throughput per fluid bed is limited.
  • a fluonde volatility reprocessing procedure in the reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuel wherein fluo ⁇ nation of the fuel is earned out by feeding the fuel to an ionised gas plasma and contacting the resultant excited species with a fluo ⁇ nating agent whereby fluonnation is affected.
  • the ionised gas plasma provides a source of intense heat and avoids the need for a fluid bed. allowing the fluonnation reaction to be speeded up.
  • the ionised gas plasma may be, for instance, an inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) or a microwave plasma.
  • ICP inductively-coupled plasma
  • regions of intense heat may be created by means of a laser or by the use of infra-red light.
  • ICPs are commonly used in analytical chemistry for the determination of concentrations of metals in solution. They provide a small and intense source of heat (temperatures up to 10,000 K are routinely achievable) and thus break down all known material to elements and ions.
  • the plasma is created by the application of a radio frequency (rf) field, through a cooled induction coil, to an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen.
  • the gas is ionised and the ions and electrons produced interact with the fluctuating magnetic field produced by the induction coil. Ohmic heating occurs as a consequence of resistance to movement of the ions and electrons and causes the high temperature.
  • solutions containing the species to be analysed are sprayed into the centre ofthe plasma as an aerosol.
  • the present invention it has been found possible very efficiently to introduce solids in the form of a slurry into the plasma. A 100% conversion of solids to atoms and ions is readily achievable.
  • a powder fluidised by an inert gas could be supplied to the plasma.
  • a feedstock of UO 2 and/or U 3 O 8 in slurry form when fed to an ICP results in the formation of excited U atoms (U*). These excited atoms react with a fluorinating (or chlorinating) agent to produce volatile uranium species, such as UF 6 .
  • the process ofthe present invention produces relatively little waste (no bed material waste in contrast ofthe fluidised-bed process) and the plant volume requirements are small. Furthermore, the process provides rapid chemical conversion of oxide fuel and fission products into separable species. An additional benefit is that the constituent parts of the apparatus are small in size and therefore readily disposable.
  • the accompanying drawing shows, diagrammatically, apparatus of use in the present invention.
  • the apparatus includes a vessel 1 within which is located an induction coil 3 to the interior of which an inert gas such as argon is fed via tubes 5. Between tubes 5 is located a further tube 7 by which fuel slurry may be fed to a central position within the induction coil.
  • Application of a radio frequency field to the induction coil results in the formation of an ICP 9 , into which the fuel slurry is fed.
  • This results in the formation of excited U atoms (U*) which pass through an orifice in plate 1 1 to an upper region of vessel 1 which comprises a fluorinating atmosphere.
  • This atmosphere is typically fluorine gas but may also be provided by another fluorinating agent including a novel reagent such as XeF 2 , KrF 2 , O 2 F 2 , HF, BrF 3 or BrF 5 .
  • a novel reagent such as XeF 2 , KrF 2 , O 2 F 2 , HF, BrF 3 or BrF 5 .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Inorganic Compounds Of Heavy Metals (AREA)

Abstract

Lors du retraitement de combustible nucléaire irradié, on procède à la fluoration du combustible en amenant celui-ci dans un plasma gazeux ionisé et ensuite en mettant en contact l'espèce excitée résultante avec un agent de fluoration, du fluor par exemple, ce qui permet de réaliser ladite fluoration. Le plasma gazeux ionisé est un plasma couplé par induction ou un plasma excité par micro-ondes et le combustible est amené dans le plasma sous la forme d'une suspension ou d'une poudre fluidisée par un gaz. Lorsque la suspension est constituée d'un combustible venant d'un réacteur à eau légère, il est produit toute une gamme de fluorures volatils ou non volatils des produits de fission ainsi que des fluorures d'actinides, ce qui permet d'extraire UF6 des fluorures non volatils des produits de fission.
PCT/GB1997/000198 1996-01-26 1997-01-23 Fluoration Ceased WO1997027595A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9601590.4 1996-01-26
GB9601590A GB9601590D0 (en) 1996-01-26 1996-01-26 Flourination

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997027595A1 true WO1997027595A1 (fr) 1997-07-31

Family

ID=10787620

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1997/000198 Ceased WO1997027595A1 (fr) 1996-01-26 1997-01-23 Fluoration

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB9601590D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1997027595A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000042229A3 (fr) * 1999-01-15 2001-10-11 British Nuclear Fuels Plc Perfectionnements portant sur le traitement de matieres
KR100407728B1 (ko) * 2001-03-21 2003-12-01 한국원자력연구소 플라즈마를 이용한 사용후핵연료 산화환원 장치
RU2371792C2 (ru) * 2007-08-20 2009-10-27 Леонид Георгиевич Бабиков Способ и установка для переработки отработанного ядерного топлива
RU2396212C2 (ru) * 2008-07-24 2010-08-10 Открытое акционерное общество "Новосибирский завод химконцентратов" Способ получения тетрафторида урана
US8192704B1 (en) * 2011-02-25 2012-06-05 The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Energy Spent nuclear fuel recycling with plasma reduction and etching
CN113795894A (zh) * 2020-10-14 2021-12-14 中广核研究院有限公司 基于等离子体的乏燃料干法后处理方法
WO2025122228A1 (fr) * 2023-12-04 2025-06-12 Terrapower, Llc Volatilité à base de chlorure pour la récupération d'uranium à partir de sel de combustible nucléaire

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1462256A (fr) * 1964-08-14 1966-04-15 Atomic Energy Commission Procédé de traitement continu de combustible nucléaire par volatilisation en phase gazeuse
GB1158287A (en) * 1965-11-26 1969-07-16 Ct D Etude De L En Nucleaire C Method of Fluorination of Nuclear Fuel.

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1462256A (fr) * 1964-08-14 1966-04-15 Atomic Energy Commission Procédé de traitement continu de combustible nucléaire par volatilisation en phase gazeuse
GB1158287A (en) * 1965-11-26 1969-07-16 Ct D Etude De L En Nucleaire C Method of Fluorination of Nuclear Fuel.

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000042229A3 (fr) * 1999-01-15 2001-10-11 British Nuclear Fuels Plc Perfectionnements portant sur le traitement de matieres
US7427386B1 (en) 1999-01-15 2008-09-23 Nexia Solutions Ltd. Processing materials
KR100407728B1 (ko) * 2001-03-21 2003-12-01 한국원자력연구소 플라즈마를 이용한 사용후핵연료 산화환원 장치
RU2371792C2 (ru) * 2007-08-20 2009-10-27 Леонид Георгиевич Бабиков Способ и установка для переработки отработанного ядерного топлива
RU2396212C2 (ru) * 2008-07-24 2010-08-10 Открытое акционерное общество "Новосибирский завод химконцентратов" Способ получения тетрафторида урана
US8192704B1 (en) * 2011-02-25 2012-06-05 The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Energy Spent nuclear fuel recycling with plasma reduction and etching
CN113795894A (zh) * 2020-10-14 2021-12-14 中广核研究院有限公司 基于等离子体的乏燃料干法后处理方法
WO2022077250A1 (fr) * 2020-10-14 2022-04-21 中广核研究院有限公司 Procédé de post-traitement à sec pour combustible épuisé faisant intervenir du plasma
GB2606640A (en) * 2020-10-14 2022-11-16 China Nuclear Power Technology Res Inst Co Ltd Dry aftertreatment method for spent fuel employing plasma
EP4060681A4 (fr) * 2020-10-14 2023-02-22 China Nuclear Power Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. Procédé de post-traitement à sec pour combustible épuisé faisant intervenir du plasma
CN113795894B (zh) * 2020-10-14 2024-07-12 中广核研究院有限公司 基于等离子体的乏燃料干法后处理方法
WO2025122228A1 (fr) * 2023-12-04 2025-06-12 Terrapower, Llc Volatilité à base de chlorure pour la récupération d'uranium à partir de sel de combustible nucléaire

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9601590D0 (en) 1996-03-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6699398B1 (en) Effective dry etching process of actinide oxides and their mixed oxides in CF4/O2/N2 plasma
US5523514A (en) Process for dissolving plutonium and/or other radioactive elements present in solid or liquid products
CZ293398A3 (cs) Dělení isotopů ionizací pro zpracování jaderného paliva
WO1997027595A1 (fr) Fluoration
Smith Jr et al. Recovery of metals from simulated high-level liquid waste with hydrothermal crystallization
US8192704B1 (en) Spent nuclear fuel recycling with plasma reduction and etching
EP1144701B1 (fr) Retraitement de matieres uraniferes par fluorination et separation des hexafluorures d'uranium obtenus dans un reacteur a plasma
CN113795894B (zh) 基于等离子体的乏燃料干法后处理方法
Veilleux et al. Etching of UO2 in NF3 RF plasma glow discharge
Kulyako et al. Preparation of powdered uranium oxides by denitration of nitric acid uranium solutions using UHF radiation
US6235252B1 (en) Method for recovering nitrate ions as nitric acid from nuclear industry effluents
Schädel The Chemistry of Transactinide Elements-Experimental Achievements and Perspectives
Van der Walt et al. Plasma technology for the manufacturing of nuclear materials at Necsa
RU2543086C1 (ru) Способ получения индивидуальных и смешанных оксидов металлов
US3343924A (en) Selective decladding of nuclear fuel elements
EP0204564A2 (fr) Procédé pour séparer molybdène et tungstène d'impuretés non volatiles
Cagno et al. Use of triflic acid in the recycling of Thoria from nuclear fuel production scrap
US3488367A (en) Actinide cyclopentadienyl compounds and their preparation
US3145078A (en) Method of reprocessing nuclear fuel elements
Chung et al. Decomposition of oxalate by hydrogen peroxide in aqueous solution
Mashirev et al. Pyrochemical reprocessing of weapons plutonium as nuclear fuel for power reactors
JP2005195498A (ja) 使用済核燃料の再処理方法と装置
JP6857884B2 (ja) 粉体化処理方法、可溶化処理方法及び溶解処理方法
Steindler et al. argonne Bational laboratorg
US4783322A (en) Method for fluorination of actinide fluorides and oxyfluorides thereof using O2 F2

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): CN JP KR US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 97526661

Format of ref document f/p: F

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase