A one-step, continuous, fluid-bed process for the conversion of uranium hexafluoride to uranium dioxide was successfully carried out in preliminary experiments in a 1 1/2-inch-diameter Monel reactor. Hydrogen and steam were used for simultaneous reduction and pyrohydrolysis reactions carried out at 600 deg C, resulting in the formation of a dense coating of dioxide on the starting bed of uranium dioxide. The effects of uranium hexafluoride feed rate and reactant excesses on conversion were investigated. Results of fluid-bed steam pyrohydrolysis runs on uranium tetrafluoride are also presented.

A one-step, continuous, fluid-bed process for the conversion of uranium hexafluoride to uranium dioxide was successfully carried out in preliminary experiments in a 1 1/2-inch-diameter Monel reactor. Hydrogen and steam were used for simultaneous reduction and pyrohydrolysis reactions carried out at 600 deg C, resulting in the formation of a dense coating of dioxide on the starting bed of uranium dioxide. The effects of uranium hexafluoride feed rate and reactant excesses on conversion were investigated. Results of fluid-bed steam pyrohydrolysis runs on uranium tetrafluoride are also presented. (auth).

A new, dry process for the production of uranium dioxide powder from uranium hexafluoride by fluidization and particle-coating techniques was developed. The process involves direct conversion of uranium hexafluoride to a solid, UO2F2, by hydrolysis with steam and the reduction of the UO2F2 to the dioxide by reaction with was carried out in 3-in.-diameter Monel reactors.