Method for activating U3O8 with a view to converting same into hydrated UO4

Abstract

A method to activate U3O8 for conversion of this uranium oxide to hydrated UO4 via reaction with hydrogen peroxide H2O2, wherein the following successive steps are performed: a) an aqueous suspension is prepared containing a powder of U3O8 and hydrogen peroxide; b) the aqueous suspension containing a powder of U3O8 and hydrogen peroxide is contacted with ozone, whereby an aqueous suspension is obtained of a powder of activated U3O8; c) optionally the powder of activated U3O8 is separated from the aqueous suspension. A method to convert U3O8 to hydrated UO4 of formula UO4, nH2O where n is 2 or 4, comprising at least one step at which hydrogen peroxide H2O2 is added to the aqueous suspension of a powder of activated U3O8 obtained at the end of step b) of the activation method or to an aqueous suspension prepared by placing in suspension in water the powder of activated U3O8 obtained at the end of step c) of the activation method.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.