HTGR Fuel Recycle Development Program (189a OHO45). Fuel refabrication, Task 500. Rate-controlling factors in the carbothermic preparation of UO/sub 2/--UC/sub 2/--C microspheres
Rate controlling factors in the conversion of UO/sub 2/ + C microspheres to UC/sub 2/ + C were investigated using a 13-cm-dia fluidized bed furnace. X-ray diffraction, ion microprobe, and microstructural examination revealed that the conversion of UO/sub 2/ to UC/sub 2/ began at the surface of the microsphere and progressed toward the central unreacted core. Kinetic models for solid state reactions in spheres were evaluated by using quantitative mass spectrometric data on the rae of evolution of carbon monoxide during conversion. This analysis revealed that the rate of conversion was controlled by reaction at the outer surface of the microsphere. Also, decreased partial pressures of carbon monoxide were found to accelerate the rate of reaction.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-26
- OSTI ID:
- 6394979
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-6589; TRN: 79-004567
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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CARBON
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
FUEL PARTICLES
PRODUCTION
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URANIUM CARBIDES
URANIUM DIOXIDE
CARBON MONOXIDE
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
MICROSPHERES
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
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CHALCOGENIDES
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NONMETALS
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