UO2 Production Steps

Question 1

Step 1: Ore

Answer 1

Ore crushed and mixed with sulphuric acid to oxidise U -> U6+

Question 2

Step 2: To Yellowcake

Answer 2

Concentration increased by ion exchange/solvent extraction and precipitated out to UOC (yellowcake (mostly U3O8))

Question 3

Step 3: From Yellowcake

Answer 3

Dissolve UOC in HNO3, filter UNL, solvent extract, concentrate denitrate to UO3

Question 4

Step 4: From UO3

Answer 4

Hydrate UO3 then dehydrate to UO2, then react in kiln with HF to form UF4

Question 5

Step 5: From UF4

Answer 5

React UF4 with F2 to get UF6

Question 6

Step 6: With UF6

Answer 6

Centrifuge

Question 7

Step 7: From UF6

Answer 7

Burn enriched UF6 in steam to get UO2F2, then raise temp to 550-750 °C to reduce to UO2

Question 8

Step 8: With UO2

Answer 8

Condition powder then press into pellets, then sinter