Experiments conducted in a 2f-inch diameter reactor have demonstrated that the continuous fluorination of uranium tetrafluoride to hexafluoride with elemental fluorine in a fluid-ized bed is possible. Practicable fluorine efficiencies and conversion rates were attained with good temperature control in experiments with refined uranium tetrafluoride. Runs made with crude uranium tetrafluoride, derived from the reduction and hydrofluorination of ore concentrates produced by the acid-leach process, indicated that these also can be processed at satisfactory rates and efficiencies. Uranium tetrafluoride de¬rived from carbonate-leached ore concentrate gave a lower pro¬duction rate and was more difficult to process because of sintering tendencies.
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