Re: UF6

[Paul W. Shafer <shafer@jumprun.ehs.uiuc.edu>]

Dear Tracy,

UF6 is highly reactive with most materials except ceramics and certain metal  
alloys.  You should use a "hot cell" to work with it even in small quantities.
If UF6 comes in contact with H20 you will get a rapid reaction producing
UO2F2 and Hydrofluoric Acid.  If it comes in contact with air (such as four old  
canisters which originally contained UF6 which we have stored) you will eventually  
get UO2 solid and UO2F2.  There is some design documents for the use of UF6 in a  
chamber designed to produce U ions when energized that I could send you.  The  
system is well shielded.

Paul Shafer
RSO/LSO

University of Illinois