The Transfer of Plutonium Hexafluoride in the Vapor Phase

Plutonium hexafluoride is decomposed by heat, by its alpha radiation, and by reactions with most materials of construction. Laboratory experiments were performed to investigate means by which plutonium losses due to these reactions can be minimized during vapor-phase transfers of the compound. The experiments showed that plutonium hexafluoride vapor could be transferred satisfactorily through well fluorinated nickel equipment in a stream of fluorine or helium. The decomposition product of plutonium hexafluoride was refluorinated at 250 deg C by fluorine. (auth