Uranium and fluorine cycles in the nuclear industry

In the nuclear fuel cycle, fluorine is currently not recycled. In this paper, we have examined the possible routes to implement such a cycle. Because UF6 deconversion requires an excess of water, aqueous HF is produced. Two alternatives are then possible: either separate HF from H2O or recycle the HF–H2O in the deconversion process. Alternative UF6 deconversion could also be implemented to resorb the high UF6 inventory.