Conversion de UF6 appauvri en U3O8

Uranium hexafluoride (UF₆), to or from isotopic enrichment plants is stored and transported, as a solid, in tanks containing 2 to 12 metric tons of material. Sampling must be carry out after complete melting obtained by heating of the tank. This sampling process is difficult and hazardous by risks of local solidification (sealing), of reaction with air moisture (Fluorhydric Acid, highly corrosive and toxic is formed), of chemical and radioactive contamination (in case of leaking), of loss of expensive material (especialy if enriched UF₆), and of over-filling of sampling pot (possible domage during warming up of itagain).The described new device was concepted and developed by COGEMA Laboratories and is used for two years in sampling facilities of enrichment plant of PIERRELATTE. It permits to warrant sample validity and eliminate all the hereabove risks.It allows seeing and adjusting volume of the samples and their flow, and permits measurement of temperature and pressure, specified for UF₆.This new device is usable for many others materials which present some risks and difficults, as Fluorine and its derivates, chlorine, liquefied inflammable gases etc.