Vladimir Kuznetsov, director of Nuclear and Radiation Safety Program of Russian Green Cross

– This technology allows converting depleted uranium hexafluoride into a chemically safer matter

JSC Production Association “Electrochemical Plant” (Krasnoyarsk region, 100% subsidiary of Atomenergoprom OJSC) is completing the testing and commissioning of Russia’s first commercial depleted uranium hexafluoride processing system. The “W-ECP” system is based on French technology and is being built by Techsnabexport OJSC in cooperation with AREVA NC (former COGEMA) and SGN (France). This is Russia’s first and the world’s third system for processing depleted uranium hexafluoride into uranium oxide concentrate, which is much safer to store. Uranium is defluorinated into a less hazardous matter. Uranium oxide concentrate is a matter whose chemical properties are close to the natural state of uranium ore. It is more stable and easier in transportation. It can be stored for a long time and may be used by new generations of fast-breeder reactors. The other products can be used by both nuclear and non-nuclear companies. The full capacity of the system is 10,000 tons of depleted uranium hexafluoride a year.

The separation companies of Rosatom have lots of depleted uranium hexafluoride. This technology will allow converting it into uranium oxide concentrate, a chemically safer matter. Here the French have lots of interesting things we can learn.

Note

Presently, depleted uranium hexafluoride is stored at open sites in steel containers under the control of highly qualified specialists. This technology has been successfully used for 40 years already and is quite safe. However, since uranium hexafluoride is a chemically active matter, containers may undergo corrosion. They may break down only in case of force majeure: fall of celestial object or aircraft or act of terrorism. The safe storage of depleted uranium hexafluoride requires considerable expenses and specially trained personnel. Besides, the amount of hexafluoride is growing each year. The new technology makes storage much easier. Uranium oxide concentrate can be stored for a long time and may be used by new generations of fast-breeder reactors