A SEMICONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR THE REDUCTION OF URANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE WITH MAGNESIUM

摘要

A semi continuous process to produce uranium metal by reducing uranium tetra-fluoride (UF4) with magnesium was developed and demonstrated on a pilot scale at the National Lead Company of Ohio. The UF4 was reduced in an induction -heated, graphite reactor, positioned in a rammed zirconia housing. After re¬duction, the molten metal was cast into pigs in iron molds, vacuum remelted, cast into ingots, and fabricated into fuel cores. The cores were found to be satisfactory for use in the production reactors. The operation and development of eguipment as well as the results of pilot-scale demonstration tests are described.