Gas Phase Conversion of UN and UC in Nitrating Atmosphere

Abstract

The gas-phase conversion of UN and UC into water-soluble compounds in the atmosphere NO_x–H₂O (vapor)–air and HNO₃ (vapor)–air in the interval 298–423 K was investigated. It is shown that in the gasphase conversion process UN is converted into water-soluble compounds (nitrates, hydroxy nitrates). It is found that the gas-phase conversion of UN in the atmosphere NO_x–H₂O (vapor)–air is less efficient than in the atmosphere HNO₃ (vapor)–air. In the process of gas-phase conversion of UC in a nitrating atmosphere the main products of conversion are uranyl nitrate hydrates. In addition, carbon-containing products are formed and their removal requires ozonation of the solutions formed as a result of contact between water and the products of UC conversion.