Disposal of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) cylinders presents an ongoing challenge for both government and private agencies. Used for a variety of research projects, the highly corrosive and radioactive material is extremely water reactive and easily sublimes hydrogen flouride gas at temperatures above 130° F.

IES has developed, tested, and applied the technology to convert UF6 to a nonreactive form of uranium oxide that is suitable for landfill disposal. This technology has been successfully applied to manage both natural and depleted UF6 at Department of Energy (DOE) facilities and universities.

IES equipment used to process UF6 is typically located within a 40foot Mobile Processing Center (MPC) but its functional components can also be set up at alternate locations, such as a facility based laboratory. The conversion equipment itself consists of a compact reactor system that withdraws material from a target cylinder under vacuum (as opposed to relying on a pressure buildup) to achieve dramatic and efficient material withdrawal rates. UF6 is withdrawn from a target cylinder as a vapor, mixed with the neutralizing reagent, and converted to uranium oxide and reaction salts. Subsequent to complete removal of all target materials, the liquid and non reactive oxide sludge in the reactor is solidified and packaged in preparation for landfilling while the cylinder is rinsed, devalved, and breached before disposal as a radioactively contaminated solid.

The UF6 conversion process is always done under very controlled conditions. When the MPC is used, all processing operations are entirely contained and monitored. The MPC is an intermodal container modified into an airtight armored containment chamber equipped with tools, reactors, breathing air, and environmental control systems. Specific environmental controls include gas specific scrubbers and reactors, along with internal temperature regulators which allow operators attired in fully protective chemical gear to work safely and comfortably. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters coupled with drymedia scrubbers maintain the MPC work area under a slight negative pressure and free of both particulate and chemical contaminants. Site set up is accomplished rapidly at virtually any location with only a simple electrical and breathing air connection required. Operators monitor radioactivity during processing using conventional alphabetagamma monitors.

With IES, onsite management of UF6 is safe, efficient, and final.