OREANDA-NEWS. February 4, 2009. JSC Production Association “Electrochemical Plant” (Krasnoyarsk region, 100% subsidiary of Atomenergoprom OJSC) is completing the testing and commissioning of Russia’s first commercial depleted uranium hexafluoride processing system.

The “W-ECP” system is based on French technology and is being built by Techsnabexport OJSC in cooperation with AREVA NC (former COGEMA) and SGN (France).

This is Russia’s first and the world’s third system for processing depleted uranium hexafluoride into uranium oxide concentrate, which is much safer to store. Uranium is defluorinated into a less hazardous matter. Uranium oxide concentrate is a matter whose chemical properties are close to the natural state of uranium ore. It is more stable and easier in transportation. It can be stored for a long time and may be used by new generations of fast-breeder reactors. The other products can be used by both nuclear and non-nuclear companies.

The full capacity of the system is 10,000 tons of depleted uranium hexafluoride a year.

The contract with ARECA-NC/SGN for delivery, installation supervision and start-up of equipment was signed in Mar 2005. The project was launched in Dec 2005. The installation work was started in June 2007. The commissioning is scheduled for the second quarter of 2009.