A Study of the Explosive Properties of Uranium-Zirconium Alloys

Depleted uranium storage and disposal trade study: Summary report

“…Explosive detonations occur when the niobium and zirconium alloys are contacted with nitric acid, while the surface of pure U metal can safely be "pickled" (cleansed of surface oxide) under controlled conditions. 25,26,27,28 The difference in behavior is attributed to the preferential dissolution of α-phase U metal, leaving behind a finely-divided γ phase metal and/or carbide, both of which react violently with nitric acid. This hazard can be avoided if a HNO 3 -HF mixture instead of pure HNO 3 is used for cleaning.…”

“…When discussing the applicability of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to disposal of depleted uranium, it is important to understand that RCRA expressly excludes materials subject to the AEA from its definitions of solid and hazardous waste. [RCRA §1004 (27); 42 U.S. C. 6903(27)] AEA materials include source material, special nuclear material, and byproduct material.…”

Chemical and Process Development Branch Annual Report, Fiscal Year 1965

“…The average DF's for uranium in first and second extraction cycles are similar to those reported for the previous aluminum processing campaign, Run 20 W; however, the average DF's for the third extraction cycle were much higher than those reported for the previous run. Consequently, [a] 3.80 35.50 [b] 304. 10 [c] [c] 26.10 28.70 [d] 504.96 [a] Included with MTR.…”

“…Table XIII shows a simplified flowsheet for this tjApe of batch dissolution^ and Figure 11 shows the fluoride-to-zirconixim mole ratio during the dissolution period. The F/Zr mole ratio is maintained above 3.4 to avoid formation of the unstable epsilon phase [34,35].…”

Dissolution of Low Enriched Uranium from Experimental Breeder Reactor-II Fuel

“…In a thorough investigation of the explosion of U-Zr alloys when treated with HNO3, Larsen et al concluded that depending on the composition, homogeneity, and previous thermal history, U-Zr alloys with 1-50 wt % Zr will contain some amount of the finely divided epsilon phase in a matrix of alpha-U. 9 Concentrations below 1 wt % (10,000 ppm) were not reported to exhibit exothermic behavior.…”