Mathematical Modeling of UF₆ Desublimation in a Tank with Horizontal Ribbing

Abstract—Unsteady-state UF₆ desublimation into a vertical immersed tank 6.0 × 10^–2 m³ in volume with horizontal internal ribs has been numerically modeled using an in-house developed software-implemented two-dimensional mathematical model. The dependences of the characteristics of UF₆ desublimation on the pressure and temperature of gaseous UF₆ in the collector; the coolant temperature; and the number, arrangement, and geometry of the ribs in the tank are described. It is shown that increasing the number of ribs, changing the heat- and mass-transfer conditions, and increasing the diameter of the central openings in the horizontal ribs significantly increase the average productivity of the tank and decrease its filling time.